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Self-Help: Fencing

Feel that? That's my rapier poking you there, son. Swinging swords and swashbuckling all over Shanghai's Dragon Fencing Center
Last updated: 2015-11-09
In an attempt to reverse the downward spiral of your mental and physical wellbeing, we bring you suggestions of classes, sporty things, team events, volunteering and educational stuff that might just pull you out of that boozy tail-spin.



Week 3: Fencing


To us uncouth, beer-soaked savages, fencing has always seemed like a sport for those of a higher social echelon, but fortunately the team over at the Dragon Fencing Center is more than happy to show anyone the way of the sword. Founded by fencing expert Sean Mei, the center is state of the art, and it's staffed by world-class instructors who thrust new students right into some sword-slinging action from their first day. Sean has a background in high-tech companies and this place has that kind of slick atmosphere of things being well run by people who know what they’re doing.



What you need


For the trial class, nothing much. Workout gear - sweatshirt and sweatpants, shorts aren't advisable. Sean and his team provide all the swords, masks and electrified vests that you’re going to use. They have showering facilities, but you’ll need your own towel. After the trial class, if you’re still interested you can discuss the various equipment packages you can purchase.



Who goes


Anybody can become proficient at fencing, there’s not one body type that suits the sport. When we went, the center was full of young kids but the Shanghai Finance University team also practices here, so you’ll get a good mix. On any given day you will find students ranging from 6 years old to 60. Sean told us anyone of any age can become a great fencer. Apparently, the best fencer in New Zealand is 62 years old. And this little guy down here's got some moves.



What happens


First up, Sean goes through the history of fencing and the finer points of what he calls “fencing culture.” Things like history, etiquette, sportsmanship, and how not to kill each other with sharp, pointy pieces of metal. After that, there’s a simple stretching routine, and then you start learning the footwork and proper body positioning. Then, since Sean believes in jumping right to the good part, the swords are doled out and the swashbuckling begins.



I had never fenced before so I had no idea how physically difficult it would be. I was expecting to fence a bit, take a break, drink some sherry, smoke a fine cigar, talk about an amusing faux pas made at the opera last week by the Comte de Maupassant, laugh at poor people and then get back to some fencing. However, three minutes in I was drenched in sweat and my legs were on fire from the constant crouching in the en-garde position. It’s as physically demanding as boxing, and you have to hold up a pointy stick. After a break, you rotate through opponents, either your classmates or instructors or random people who showed up that day. So each class contains a lot of dueling, and it’s exhausting.



How much of your life will this take up


Fencing takes several years to master, but it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly, so you can start holding your own on the first day. For many, it will just be something fun and energetic to do on a Saturday afternoon but, if you do decided to take it further, Shanghai Dragon has plenty of connections in Shanghai’s fencing community. Fencing’s a big Olympic sport for this country, so there is plenty of amateur interest in the sport, and lots of ambitious moms and dads are eagerly arming their only children for combat.



How much does it cost


Depends on how old you are and what you want to do. Adult standard membership fees start at 4000rmb for a year, which includes one beginners’ group lesson a week. Pricier memberships offer two lessons a week. A three-month trial with two group lessons a week, is 2800rmb. It's the same setup for the kids, but cheaper. Beginners’ classes happen on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. On top of that, private lessons cost from 300-500rmb an hour. Coaches include international champions and former Olympians.

A set of equipment for beginners is about 2000rmb from Dragon. You can get cheaper stuff online, but the Dragon people say it’s pants, and if someone’s going to be thrusting a sword at your eyes over and over again, Taobao is probably not the place to purchase protection.

Plus points


This is a really good workout, better than you might think. Do this two or three times a week and you’ll get fit. It’s also a gentleman’s sport but surprisingly macho. You get to own people with a sword, goddamnit. And, of course, you’ll learn how to handle a blade, and when the dragons return to the Seven Kingdoms and start mashing up the Riverlands, being able to handle some Valyrian Steel is going to set you up nicely.



Bonus points: Sean and crew are trying to build up Shanghai’s fencing community. They host events, stage tournaments and competitions, and generally act as one big sword-swinging family. so you're going to make some friends here. Since it’s a rather small sport compared to football or basketball, the community is close-knit. Also, all of Sean’s coaches are bilingual, English and Chinese, so there's no language barrier. Extra bonus points for parents: Sean tells me fencing is a big plus when it comes to winning a place at a good university.

Minus points


The fencing center is at the Shanghai Finance University, which, unfortunately for many Puxi / Putuo / anywhere-that’s-not-Pudong-dwellers, is quite a long haul. To get there you'll need to go to Jufeng Lu Metro station on Line 6, and then take a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the entrance of the university. They also have another center in Minhang… so, for you two who live in Minhang, problem solved. For the rest of you potential musketeers, Sean’s people are currently in negotiations to open a center in downtown Puxi. If you can’t wait that long, Shanghai has a couple of other laiwai-friendly places to fence that may be closer to home. Both are in Xujiahui. Find their details here. If you know of any others, let us know. Or we'll run you through like a dog!



For more information for Shanghai Dragon Fencing check their website or you can email info@sh-dfc.com. Here's some info about their membership packages and some faqs for parents.

For a full address, map and taxi printout, click me.

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