Alex Ripa, owner and head instructor of the academy, said that anyone can fence, even those who enjoy team sports. And that's part of the history of fencing. People fenced to protect themselves. Fencing is the ancient art of the duel, named for the offensive and defensive positions in a bout. Modern fencing is safe.
Fencers wear protective gear and weapons with blunt or plastic tips.
Fencers at the Rhode Island Academy have informal bouts, but some take their skills to competition, fighting for regional and national titles. Ripa leads classes for players of all levels, as well as open fencing nights for informal matches. The students at Ripa's East Bay fencing academy put on protective gear and spar, sometimes three to four days a week, learning to conquer their opponents in a battle that involves the body and the mind. It's just keeping it together, being able to stay calm. You just have to figure out what he's going to do and move quick.