Where to Try Fencing in Guangzhou

By Paul Finkbeiner, June 26, 2017

Social Skills is a monthly column featuring community groups where you can meet new people through exercise or other enjoyable activities.

The days of swordsmen dueling each other for honor may be gone, but sword fighting is still a popular pastime – even in Guangdong.

Now active for more than 10 years in Guangzhou, the Joy Swordsmen Alliance Fencing Club features a group of professional coaches, many of whom were former athletes or coaches on China’s national team.

If you’re at all curious about fencing but not yet ready to suit up for a competitive fight, you can sign up for a free practice lesson first and decide whether or not to join the club later on.

At the initial lesson, a coach will introduce you to three types of swords and corresponding protective gear before showing you the proper fighting stance. You’ll then have a chance to practice various blocking and attacking movements for the rest of the lesson.

As one of the coaches we spoke to explained, fencing is a great skill to master, especially when you’re young. It helps children learn explosiveness, sensitivity and quick reactivity. It also helps increase their concentration and intelligence, which can translate to success in the classroom. Most importantly, fencing can help kids learn polite etiquette and to respect their opponents.

If you have a child who needs an outlet for his or her extra energy or if you’re looking to get fit this summer, consider trying a lesson in fencing. Pretty soon, you’ll know the difference between an épée and a foil just as you can distinguish between a jiaozi and a baozi.

Prices: kids 4-6 years: RMB2,700 for three months, RMB6,800 six months, RMB9,800 one year; 6 years and older: RMB2,100 three months, RMB4,800 six months, RMB7,800 one year; family: RMB3,600 three months, RMB7,800 six months, RMB13,800 one year. Three months includes 30 classes.

Guangzhou Sports College (across from the Hilton), 1268 Guangzhou Dadao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 广州市天河区广州大道中1268号, 广州体育学院 (020-8755 1717)

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