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Fencing is the art of swordsmanship. It was originally used as training for the deadly combat of the duel. Fencing began in Italy and France in the 16th century as a gentleman’s sport after dueling was outlawed. The aerobic sport teaches respect, self-confidence and discipline for its participants. Fencing is a very popular sport because it offers a high degree of physical and mental exercise. It also develops coordination, speed and agility.
The Jacksonville Fencing Club (JFC) is open to everyone who is interested in fencing. The Club has members of all ages. It began in the 1950’s, but was disbanded in the early 1990’s. The club was resurrected in 1997 by Raul Toro Jr. The Jacksonville Fencing Club is located at 3955 Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville.
For more information about the Club, please contact Raul Toro at 904.579.6858 or visit the club’s website at www.jaxfencingclub.org. |
Excerpt from "Highland Swordsmanship: Techniques of the Scottish Sword Masters"
by William Hope
“The Scottish Highlander has been romanticized in poetry, song and legend, immortalized in the figures of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Rob Roy. His reputationas a fierce fighter and deadly swordsman was more than a myth however: a proud tradition of Scottish fencing masters taught the use of the backsword, smallsword, target and dirk in the 17th-19th centuries. These early Swordsmen probably had no idea of popularity that their sport would achieve and continue to enjoy all over. |
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