The use of swords dates back to prehistoric times with ancient civilizations engaging in swordplay. Fencing as we know it today became an organized sport at the end of the 19th century and became an Olympic sport for men in 1896 and for women much later.

Walking into the Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Center in East Syracuse to try this ancient sport required comfortable clothes, gym shoes or sneakers, and an aptitude to try. I hadn’t watched any YouTube videos on the sport, which I have done in the past, to acquaint myself with what I might learn in a new sport. All I knew was one sword called an epee from a crossword puzzle solution I had to look up. So, I went into this experience with my eyes wide open.

At the door Lubomir Kalpaktchiev, the owner greeted me with a warm smile, which stayed on this face the entire time he taught. Lubo was born in Bulgaria and is a 25-year veteran instructor and qualifying competitor in international fencing, winning the gold medal eight times from 1993 to 2005 in regional and international tournaments.

Target practice before dueling

Shortly after arriving, we were introduced to swords – epee, foil, and saber for attack and defense. We learned footwork, and sword strokes, and quickly tried both out on a wall with targets before facing each other in duels. Outfitted in special white protective shirts and helmets, with electrical cords going up our arm sleeves so they could attach to our epee to record our hits against our duel mates, we were ready to go.

*Practicing our stance, footwork and sword handles*

Fencing requires assertive, well-timed action as you try to hit your competitor in special places on their bodies. Each sword has different parts of the body you can attack. The epee sword allows the most hit locations on the body which was perfect for us, four beginners. Each competitor begins behind a yellow line and advances front and back as they duel. Depending on your plan, you either go forth with gusto, like I did or wait to stop the advancement. I admit, that my over-eager attitude made me lose more duels than win, so I think waiting and defending while contemplating where you want to target your sword is smarter.

Since four women were trying this new sport, we dueled each other once giving us three matches each and multiple times to advance and retreat. It is a very aerobic sport and we were sweating before too long. It was also fun, invigorating, and for competitors, really interesting, to try to win a point. Most of my guests thought fencing was ‘fun!” I agree with that description. I think next time I try fencing I will be less aggressive and more defensive in my approach.

This is a sport I would highly recommend trying and Lubo is the perfect instructor. He offers women (and men) the chance to try the sport and coaches students, collegians, and even athletes inspired to go to the Olympics. He also hosts kids’ parties which I know my sons would have loved trying. In July, when the 2024 Summer Olympics are shown on television, watch a fencing match if you can.

Lubo won the best fencing coach award from all of us!

I don’t think I’ll look at a 3 Musketeer bar or say “Touche” without thinking back to trying out this great sport. I say “parry” on (a fencing term we learned).