Fencing is becoming popular among young people including women. To those who want to become swordsmen, SaigonFencing Club at the HCMC Youth Culture House in District 1 is an ideal venue to practice this sport.

Fencing was initiated by the French in the 15th century and has become an official sport in the Olympics. However, it is still something quite new in Vietnam.

From the martial art of fighting, nowadays fencing is considered a noble sport.

“The white protective gear manifests something really elegant about this sport. To be honest, I fell in love with fencing when I was a small girl. Knowing that SaigonFencing Club is located at the HCMC Youth Culture House, I immediately went for it,” said Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Trang.

With only VND50,000 per hour, a player is equipped from head to toe with a thin sword, protective mask and clothing, gloves, socks and shoes. For several first training sessions, green fencers will learn how to make gentle and swift movements, which are seen as the most important in fencing, with the assistance of instructors. Afterwards, these fencers will continue to learn how to swing a long thin sword and launch attacks against rivals and how to defend their strikes.

“After nearly one week of initial training, you can take part in a fencing fight,” added Trang.

A match typically lasts five minutes. The weapon is called épée having a stiffer sword with a triangular cross-section, mostly preferred by male fencers. It has a larger and heavier bell guard. Meanwhile, a foil is usually preferred by female fencers as it is easier to maneuver.

In addition, a tiny electronic device attached to the tip of the sword will ring whenever it hits the opponent to score points.

Nguyen Tan Hai, a student of HCMC University of Social Sciences and Humanities, says, “I’ve taken up ice skating and archery, but fencing totally brings a brand new experience because this sport does help me sharpen my mind greatly.”

Sharing Hai’s view, Nguyen Hiep Binh says fencing offers the body toughness, swiftness and flexibility. Therefore, he can learn some techniques for attack and defense.