Sport that links mind and body

Fencing is not only one of the more unusual ways of keeping fit, it also provides a mental challenge.

According to Mr Robert Pryer (32) the tutor at Fernwood Sword Club, whose members meet at Fernwood Village Hall: “It’s quite a thinking sport.

“You have to try to get away from your opponent but also get close enough to hit them.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a very physical person. There are people in their 60s who can out-think me.

“Lots of children also like it because it’s not a team sport.”

Mr Pryer said fencers used tactics to outwit opponents in order to score points.

Fernwood Sword Club was set up by Mr Andrew Sutton (32) of Thomas Road, Fernwood, with the help of Mr Pryer, of Nottingham, in October.

Ten people, aged 20-40, signed up for the first beginners’ course.

The second starts on Tuesday. A course for more experienced fencers could start later this year and there has been some interest in a junior section.

Mr Sutton took up fencing 18 months ago with a club in Nottingham because he wanted to try a sport that both he and his partner, Miss Samantha Hook (34) could enjoy.

“It’s good for toning core muscles. It teaches discipline as sportsmanship is particularly important,” he said.

He did not like travelling to Nottingham and decided to set up a club himself.

Mr Sutton said he knew of other people in the area who wanted to try fencing and approached Newark and Sherwood District Council’s sports development team for advice.

He contacted Mr Pryer, a coach for six years, who agreed to teach the course.

The Fernwood club was recently awarded a £1,500 grant from Nottinghamshire Community Sports Fund to help towards the cost of kit and venue hire.

Mr Sutton, a solicitor in Nottingham, has enrolled on a coaching course.

“Anyone who wants to come down is assured a warm welcome,” he said. “It’s a friendly club.”

More information is available at fernwoodswordclub@hotmail.com or at www.fernwoodswordclub.co.uk