New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-18
MODERN SCHOOL or FENCING
REASON THAT so LITTLE is HEARD
ABOUT THIS POPULAR SPORT.

RS PRESENT PROMINENCE GAINED IN AMERICA
wIr1IrN THE LAST TEN YEARs-How TO
LEARN THE ART
There Is probably no athletic sport OF which
less is heard in this country than fencing yet
it is popular among a large NUMBER OF Pe'
pie. The reason that fencing Is so htte heaiu
OF is that the experts are rarely seen IN puDlic
exhibitions Fencing was the sport OF the
knights in Eye goodc olde dayes before firearms
were invented, and many gay cavalier toushI
his way to fame and fortune by the means u
his good sword. While fencing Is largely rich
mans sport II Is yet within the reach OF those
who are not rich. When fencing Is considered
from an athletic point Of view 1t Is me exer-
else and one that will not only develop the mus
clcs. but 1t will also train the judgment lne
eye and the nervous instinct ms well.
II gives to the body n grace or movement
suppleness ard a confidence such as no o'her
mode Of athletic training can do. AS loii" u
light gymnastics fencing is certainly second u
no other sport and is fully the equa' OF ooNi"s
bacause II ACCOMMODATES the same purposes In a
systematic and less violent manner Inc h,s.ofy
Of fencing IS very old. yet It may be said that
the modern school is founded on the sport WHICH
nourished centuries ago in that country with
as n fine art nourished about the sixteenth
century and II was then introduced into France
and Italy by people who had visited Spain. AT
the beginning OF the present century fencihg
was a most popular sport In France, and 1t was
loroelv natronized bv the nobility. The italian
school flourshed for a long time. but OF late even
tho Italians have adopted the French style
They no longer fence with a straight arm but
keep the arm bent. which gives more power 10
lead and parry The long foil with It's bellguard
uscd nv the Italian swordsmen. IS similar TO the
old Spanish raper Fencing has always HOUR
ished among the Latin races. and the Dest
fencers are to be found among them
Fencing has gained most OF It's present prom
,ncnce in America within the last ten years. and
II is constantly growing in popularity. IL "ouio
probably surprise most people many even VINO
consider themselves well posted. to know VINO
some OF the advocates OF fencing are FENCING
not only finds many friends among society peo-
ple Of high rank. but also In the professions rs
we'll Among the well-kn0wn society people
and men equally well known In business circles
who are or have been learning to renee are
Perry Belmont. Henry Seligman. ALVIN inter-
never. 4. g. Norton. Henry II. lckelheimer Ut.
/ Uablrshaw. Or. X. II Green, otto l. Mayer
r'erdlnand f. Yznaga, j. j. Manning. MIS-. W.
u Duncan 1r :. y. Arnold George W; NC
Adam Charles Lcsher X. g. Packhfd, NtCen'
Serrano Roland r. knoedler' Harry Gidel Al.
Mackayc chcvalicr I;nrico Garguilio. Mrs John
Prlcstly and Roland K. Conkhn.
Among the members OF the theatrical PROBES
ei'r "a no are working hard and with much sue
cess 10 become good fencers. and also to ac-
oulre tho benefits 81 the athletic training when
the sport provides are Julla ar.n.f' rJa Con.
Mack Edwin Brandt. Ralph stuart ida 1on-
quest Horace Lewis. Herbert Beerpohm l.ss'
William Faversham. +. q. Backus Henry NIL
Ter. Camille Dagmar. j.. H. sothern. naseF
Robert Edeson. stephen Grattan. James ~
Hackctt. Walter Hale. Page Neweomo sheridan
Block. BENJAMIN Monteith Florence l.. FAR
rlugton Ieonle NJ Stamm, Jeanette Ferle'
Jessie Bartlett Davis and host OF others.
acquire an outat AZ good Instructor. In
getting the outfit care should be taken 10 nave
the best and especial care should be used IN
the selection Of the mask. Never use n mask
with wide mcshes but one which has meshes
so close together that there Will be no danger
Of IL being pierced. In article of this kind
space will not permit a description OF the many
parries form Of attack and counters. II should
be remembered that In fencing form and style
count for far more than they do In any other
SPORT The pupil should use great care 10
master the first principles. He should hrst
! learn how 10 hold the foil properly. the guard.
the recover and the parties. Among the most
essential rules which are strictly adhered 10 ny
the best Instructors in fencing are the follow
Ing:
Never fence without gloves and mask
Never fence without first Joining swords.
Never press upon your foil after hitting.
Never make return II the parry has DIS
armed your opponent. except In the case or a
straight thrust.
Never ask your adversary II he has been
touched or not.
Always declare openly when you have been
touched.
Fencing IS not only growing in popularity In
the academies but IL IS also being much prac-
tiscd in the universities and clubs. There is the
Fencers' Club. In this city. whore many ath-
! letic men meet, and fencing Is also one Of the
sports Of the New-YOrk Athletic Club. The
| members OF the theatrical profession take up
fencing in the summer months when they have
leisure time. while the society people indulge in
| the sport in the winter.