Three different weapons are used in fencing. A foil is the primary sword, it is the starting point for most fencers. Sabre is slightly heavier with a larger handle. An epee has a bell guard and is heavier than a foil. Depending on the weapon, the strike zones are different. For instance, using a foil, the ideal targets are the shoulders, chest, back, and groin. Sabre fighting is similar, with a strike zone including everything above the waist. Epee fighting has the most scoring potential because points can be scored by striking any part of the opponent’s body.

From sprained ankles to carpel tunnel syndrome, fencers are at risk for injury. Beside the obvious wounds such as cuts and gashes, there have been more serious injuries. Fencing Club President Ashley Shade threw her back out her freshman year while training for nationals. Although she has since healed from it, she goes to practice, along with the rest of the team, expecting to receive small nicks and welts.

“The first time I fenced epee, I got hit in the neck twice,” Mark Lewis said. “It didn’t hurt at first, but the next day I thought my head was going to fall off.”

Of all the interesting clubs at Ball State, Fencing Club is definitely among the most rewarding. When students join fencing club, they anticipate learning techniques, relieving stress, and winning tournaments. What they don’t realize is that they may be making the greatest friends of their lives. The club meetings are filled with duels, but outside of practice this team does anything but fight.

In fact, they have grown so close through the matches and practices that they spend more time outside of the club than they do in practice. In their lessons, they learn weapon techniques and body position, along with the “dos” and “don'ts” of fencing. They also learn more and more about each other every time they spend time together.
Throwing holiday parties and going out to eat after practices are two of the many traditions these young fencers have started. They have taken road trips to better appreciate the company of one another. The Fencing Club goes far beyond swordplay, and the members have developed quite a closeness with one another.

“We recently saw Pirates of the Caribbean together," Alec Berger said. "It was a lot of fun, and, yes, the sword fighting is pretty much the same.” The members have become such great friends. Shade even met her fiance Jared Smith through the club.
There is a strong sense of professionalism present at each practice. The members practice etiquette and follow all of the restrictions and guidelines. Fighting techniques depend heavily on weapon choice, so each member studies skill accordingly. The fencers are respectful to one another, and always salute and shake hands before and after matches.

Fencing may be an acquired skill, but it’s not reserved for heroes. The BSU Fencing Club has proven that their skills are not to be overlooked. Perhaps the next Zorro or Captain Jack is right here on campus.