Fencing can seem like a daunting sport to most of us but with the help of Martha Carus Bird (CB), a young and aspiring fencer, it is clear to see how enjoyable it can be. Martha CB is 16 and has been fencing from the age of 8 after being inspired by a talk at Wimbledon High Junior School. Since then she has been selected for both the European and World championships to represent Britain in the age group above her. Fencing is a massive part of her life but what exactly are the benefits of such a seemingly complex sport?
Firstly, fencing requires commitment and therefore a consistent dedication to fitness. Martha describes fencing as a ‘mental chess’, a fast thinking sport which offers a great platform to release energy. Fencing not only offers great physical fitness training but is also mentally beneficial not only for the release of endorphins but also the problem-solving side to this combat sport. While the sport itself can be harder to pick up, fencing is not that much more complicated than most other sports.
Martha also describes the opportunity to travel as being a huge part of the fencing world and that she has been able to visit places she would never usually go otherwise. This paired with the social side of fencing are some of the less publicized aspects of fencing. Like any other sport, fencing has given Martha the opportunity to meet other people who have become some of her closest friends. However, because the social life that fencing offers is so extensive, fencers must be academically focused in order to maintain a sport and school balance.
The world of fencing encompasses a mixture of fitness development, mental problem solving, social opportunities and travel. Fencing has instilled in Martha a lifelong passion for fitness, and she explains she will always fence in the future whether that is competitively or leisurely. She describes the pride she feels representing her country (especially when given an England hoodie) and how despite not really knowing where she is headed in terms of fencing, she is excited for what the future holds.
Hopefully, other children will be more inspired to dive head-first into the exhilarating world of fencing and can try these once in a lifetime experiences it has to offer.
