By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
FOR MOST of us, fencing refers to the boundary around our property.
But it does have a connection to swordplay.
Both were part of the art of defence – the fence in keeping the unwanted out and fencing to tackle them if they ever got in.
Even then, our concept of fencing is confined to the odd Errol Flynn swashbuckler or watching Zorro carve a perfect Z in an enemy’s pants.
But a dedicated couple of sword masters in Geelong are keeping the traditions of this unique sport alive.
Neil Hick was the manager for Australia’s modern pentathlon team for the London Olympics, which includes fencing as one of its five disciplines.
“Modern pentathlon is considered the ultimate test of an athlete and fencing has a long Olympic history as one of the founding sports in the contemporary competition,” Neil explained.
“Fencing is one of the unique sports arising out of real life skills, like track and field events. It was considered such a basic activity.
“People were expected to help defend their land or country and basic skills such as archery and fencing were required by law.”
Neil’s other life revolves around teaching at Kardinia International College, a skill he uses to pass on the finer points of fencing to students of the sport.
He works closely with internationally-known fencer Hadi Miri, now a fully-qualified coach and involved with an Active After Schools program.
Hadi has fenced for more than 16 years at all levels up to world championships and is a former Iranian number one.
He has won 52 medals in competitions including world cups, Asian games, Asian championships, West Asian games and many international tournaments.
Hadi uses his level one international sabre coaching qualifications as manager and head coach at Geelong’s HAAS Fencing Club.
Neil, who has been involved in the sport for 30 years, said Geelong Fencing had produced one Olympian and many Australian representatives.
“More minor sports are being taken up by people than ever before,” Neil said.
“More people are looking for something different, outside the traditional sports, something physically and mentally challenging.
“Fencing can be considered as physical chess, where you can beat someone on different levels, whether it’s with power, dexterity or reaction time.
“You can also out-think someone with tactics and when you’re able to combine those two things you will make a very good fencer.”
More than 100 Geelong fencers are using the wealth of local experience and knowledge to keep the traditions of this ancient art alive.
Neil said anyone wanting more information could phone him on 0414 525 363.
