LivingBristol.co.uk

LivingBristol.co.uk recently interviewed John Rohde of the Bristol Fencing Club and White Eagle Fencing Club. John is very actively involved in fencing around Bristol. Read on to find out his thoughts on the Bristol fencing and Bristol fencing clubs.

Q: Tell us about fencing in Bristol? Is it popular?

A: Yes. There are at least four clubs in the city itself and
others dotted around North Somerset and South
Gloucester.  My own, White Eagle Fencing Club, gets
around a dozen and meets three times a week with some
attending one or two and others dropping in when other
commitments permit.

 Q: Fencing has quite an elitist reputation. What kind of people take part in fencing in Bristol?

A: That’s the popular impression but it hasn’t been my
experience of fencing.  The sport attracts all sorts
of people: swashbuckling romantics to those who just
find it a physical and intellectual challenge that’s
uniquely convenient to the modern lifestyle.
 Fencing shouldn’t allow any room for affectation -
it’s a clear-eyed art that tests character, nerve and
skill and nothing but those counts for much and
anything else gets in the way.

Q: How easy is it for beginners to take up the
 sport?

A: Incredibly easy! Most club’s run courses from time
to time or get in touch with me at
johnrohdeuk at yahoo.com and you can start right away.
The kit is provided and you’ll find that the
atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Q: How did you get involved with fencing? What has been your best moment in fencing?

A: I started my fencing at an evening class and most
of the people I know who fence learned at clubs and on
courses.  I’d signed up for the University fencing
club when I was at Sussex University - but I signed up
for everything at the Fresher’s Fair and attended none
of them!  So, when I graduated, I went along to a
municipal evening class and went on from there.

 My best moment in fencing?  In a way, it’s always the
same moment that keeps repeating - whenever I’m
totally focussed on my opponent and the moves seem to
make themselves; responding and dominating, discerning
and deciding without self-consciousness.  It’s a
tremendous state: legs aching, tummy muscles screaming
and sweaty as anything but the mind totally
transparent. As a teacher, my best moments are when
pupils begin to express themselves, to really let go
and lose the frustrations and inhibitions that a
chair-bound culture tends to give them.  Because it’s
in an enviroment of courtesy and camaraderie, it’s
possible to lose a lot of everyday inhibitions.  The
benefits are not only fitness but greater
self-confidence and “presence” - along with a lot of
fun and friendship.