The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-21
Fencing as an Exercise for Women
Grace and Poise Rather Than Strength, and
Should be Popular

shrink from gymnastics lest constant exer-
else should raise those weird Jumps OF
Drawn on their arms and shoulders, dis
played so proudly by the gentlemen and Ia
dies OF vaudeville acrobatic turns. Most
sports result in the overdevlopment OF some
of the muscles, which while it may not be
particularly dangerous, is at least undesira-
BILE; but the exercise of fencing tends
toward an evenness of development.
The first few lessons in fencing are usual
~ given up wholly 10 calisthenic exercises
after the Desarte methods. The fencer has
first of all TO learn TO hold himself in an
erect position, for stOop shoulders and
foils has no affinity, and IL man or girl
cannot acquire the straight back and high
chest. which are at once the Alpha and
Omega OF exercise, the idea of fencing
might as well be abandoned. That done
movements of the arms and body are prac-
ticed TO give sureness OF poise, and after a
few such preliminaries the actual work OF
fencing begins, and the pupil soon finds
that his plant foil obeys the dictates OF
his brain in a delightfully."- sympathetic way.
There is much that is Greek 10 the un-
initiated in a fencing bout. The quick
thrust and parry. almost too rapid In exc
cution for the eye TO comprehend; the light
ming movement of arm or steel, the quick
utterances of the teacher, which might be
Greek. French or Scandinavian for all they
convey of meaning TO the unframed ear
those and various other hallmarks or the
art are bewildering 10 the spectator. But
with the Toll in hand things begin 10 I'M
tangle themselves and movements puzzling
from the standpoint of the loOker-on be-
come natural to the body and mind of the
fencer Different teachers have different
methods Of fencing. naturally, but in all
methods the dividing of the body into tar
gets is followed. The French method is TO
divide the body into thirds. the left third
Of which symbOlizes nothing. The reason
for this Is apparent when the proper fenc-
ing position is taken-the body held erect.
presented obliquely TO the opponent.
straight line drawn from the chin TO the
right foot and the left shoulder held well
back A thrust at the left side Of the body
held in this position, touching as IL would
an Oblique surface, wOuld-if the blade
could penetrate-simply go through the
clothing and touch. on the other side. only
thin air. For that reason the LETT third or
the body Is unconsidered as a target and
the scarlet heart which marks the high
point Of the body is placed on the right side.
The shape OF the latter mark Is merely an
| observance Of custom and not. as many
think stimulation Of the real thing. inspir-
ing the spectator to wonder why IL shc:lld
be on the wrong right side. The right two
thirds Of the swOrdsman's body are divided
up into the targets known each by its tech
nical name and the skillful swordsman or
I swords woman scores from his opponent ac-
cording 10 the targets.
The suits worn by women fencers are
after the order Of the usual gymnasium suit.
/ except that usually a short skirt Is worn
| over the boomers, with great Improvement
10 the costume. The padded bodyguard IS
usually worn by the women fencers and
the protecting mask. while unbeautiful, Is
a necessary part of the costume. There is
| little danger from the foils II the buttons
| are carefully examined before each prac-
| tice though without that precaution they
! might be as deadly as the usual unloaded
! gun. In regard 10 costume for fencing.
| however there Is really no absolute neces-
| sity OF a special costume for II unless one
/ wishes 10 don II. In that. again. the sport
/ has an advantage over other forms OF ex-
| ercise as the simplest of gymnasium work
/ requires especial preparation in the way OF
! garb. ANY gymnasium instructor would
/ hold up her hands In horror az the idea OF
/ one OF her pupils exercising IN "a corset. and
the pupil herself would ind acknowledgements
| beset her If she attempted her exercises IN
/ the ordinary walking skirt one may fence.
/ however, If chooses. IN her ordinary
! garb OF shirtwaist and tailor skirt, and so
/ the fois may be taken up at any moment
| when the fancy calls 10 arms. For these
and for many other reasons fencing Is one
/ OF the most desirable OF exercises Tor
| women and with the opportunities now Of
| fered here for It's practice IL should not be
! long before the sport enlists many feminine
l enthusiasts IN its support