The Blade Society is a Recreational
Sports Club of The
University of Maine that teaches sport fencing, rapier combat, and
other forms of bladed combat recreation. We are a free club open
to all students, faculty and staff. The Blade Society is geared towards
the instruction in beginning and intermediate
technique, yet anyone interested in advanced styles and
techniques is definitely welcome. No experience or experience or
equipment is needed by the beginning student. The only requisite
is a willingness to learn and participate in Blade Society
activities. Unfortunately we cannot have everyone fencing the
first practice that they come to. Learning how to fight safely can take
time, but the rewards that come from the experience are well worth it.
Please stop by; see what we do, and try it out.
<>Purpose
We want to expose students to the basics of fencing
and rapier combat. The basics take about a semester. At that time
students are encouraged to start developing their own style, and take
initiative in asking for further instruction. Above all else, we want
to make sure that as a member of the Blade Society, you are having fun
while learning.
<>Membership Requirements
Any student, faculty, or staff of
UMAINE may join the Blade Society, provided they have health insurance.
<>Coaches
The Blade Society has the teaching
expertise of advanced members, who take a strong approach in teaching
other students, as well as experienced coaches. Jim and Lisa Tyson are
our current coaches with the Blade Society.
<>Equipment
The Blade Society owns all the major equipment that
a fencing or rapier combat student may need. If a student decides to
stick with the club and advance into intermediate techniques, we
recommend that they consider purchasing their own equipment. However,
this is by no means a requirement of the club, and not owning equipment
should never interfere with club membership. For basic clothing
students must have all skin covered when fencing. The fencing mask,
gloves and jacket that the club provides cover the upper body. A good
T-shirt should be worn underneath. A pair of shoes with good traction
and ankle support are recommended. No open top shoes or sandals. Male
students are required to wear a cup once they start fencing, and it is
highly recommended that women purchase a female athletic cup as well as
breast protectors, but it is not required.
More Information
<>Schedule
Blade Society should begin having meetings in a
couple of weeks this fall. In the past, we have met either Tuesday or
Wednesday and Friday nights, usually at around 6:30. As soon as we have
secured practice space, the days and times will be posted here, and the
calendar will be updated. We also
participate in on campus events, such as the New Student Organization
Fair at the start of the year, and the Friends and Family Weekend
Student Organization Fair.
<>Weapons Forms and Other
Useful Information
Currently the Blade Society focuses
on fencing and rapier combat as its main styles of combat recreation.
Assuming we have members with training in other areas who have teaching
capabilities, we may also offer other types of recreational bladed
combat. The rules and armor requirements used in the Blade Society are
borrowed from an international non-profit organization known as the
SCA- Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA reproduces medieval and
renaissance times through clothing, food, combat, and other activities.
There has been rapier combat for more than 20 years in the SCA with no
serious injuries.
<>Upcoming Events
Blade Society participates in both SCA and
USFA events. This page provides links to both sites for more
information.
<>Photographs
Pictures of past and present fencers
<>History
of Fencing
Provides a
brief historical overview of fencing, and some recommended links and
reading material, for those interested in learning more about the
historical aspects of fencing
<>UMaine
Recreational Sports
More information about Rec Sports at UMaine
Last Updated 10-18-04
Katherine Larsen WebMistress
email: katherine.larsen@umit.maine.edu