Fencing, a fun sport within everyone’s reach

When we talk about fencing, we see images of swashbuckling films. This is how the passion of Joël Caquot, the president of the Cercle d’escrime chaurien, was born. “I watched films with Jean Marais, Zorro, read the novels of the three musketeers and the passion for fencing came to me. Young, I tried, but it was too expensive. 30 years old, when I brought my son to the Chaurien club, that I registered. At 58 years old, I am still there! As soon as I was president, my goal was that our club be accessible to all I wanted to realize my childhood dream by creating an artistic section. An incredible chance made me meet Claude Carliez, the fencing master of Jean Marais, during a training course. This meeting remains for me, the one of the best moments of my career as a show fencer », explains this enthusiast.

Created on May 17, 1946 by Francis Devolle and Master Jean Paul Cassabel, the Cercle d’Escrime Chaurien has 80 members of all ages (more than 80% under 18). It is a leisure activity whose purpose is essentially the development and training of young people. Since 2008, the club has created and equipped a disabled sports section to accommodate children and adults with physical disabilities, in close collaboration with the French Handisport Federation.

Twice labeled

The club has obtained the Labels « Sport Santé » and « Club Handisport » from the FFE (French Fencing Federation) and that of « Club Handisport » from the FFH (French Handisport Federation). Today, it is recognized at local and departmental level as a key player in disabled sports and health sports. Fencing Master Thomas Belliato received training in collaboration with the Riposte association. Fencing is an individual sport practiced in pairs. Self-transcendence can only be done through the other. The confrontation is different, because the use of a weapon imposes safety rules, the distance of the protagonists which modifies the space of intervention of the fencer. Through the weapon, a relationship is created between the two adversaries on the psychological and psychomotor level. The impulsive and the violent must control each other. The reserved, hidden under the mask, expresses itself more.

Fencing is practiced at all ages. Liveliness, endurance, anticipation, sense of combat, this sport requires both physical and psychological qualities. It promotes self-control, concentration, analytical skills, coordination, speed and resistance. It induces respect for the opponent, the referee and the rules. It is a fun sport combining relaxation and pleasure.

In this discipline, there are three kinds of weapons: the foil, weapon of the point, with which the keys must be carried with the point and only on the trunk of the adversary. The shooter has the right to attack. His opponent can only launch an attack if he manages to deflect the threatening point.

The sword, advanced weapon: you can touch the opponent’s body. The sword is the weapon that most respects the conditions of a true duel. The sabre, point and size weapon: the key can be carried with the point and with the edge of the weapon on the head, the arms and the torso of the adversary.

An artistic section

Created in 2006, the artistic fencing section trains and rehearses throughout the year. It is found during shows in historical festivals, such as those of Issel, Saint-Félix de Lauragais, Mirepoix.

Spectacle fencing features choreographed fights with real weapons where historical research makes it possible to create and interpret realistic duels while paying attention to the safety of the swordsmen and the public. Of course, you have to have a taste for the show and a developed creative sense. The stage play, the choice of costumes, music, are elements that complete the duels with panache. From knights to pirates via musketeers, who hasn’t dreamed of becoming for a moment D’Artagnan, Lagardère, Zorro and so many others?

2- NEXT Fencing a fun sport within everyone’s reach

Liveliness, endurance, anticipation, sense of combat, this sport requires both physical and psychological qualities. It promotes self-control, concentration, analytical skills, coordination, speed and resistance. It induces respect for the opponent, the referee and the rules. It is a fun sport combining relaxation and pleasure.

Three weapons, one sport

The foil, weapon of point: the keys must be carried with the point and only on the trunk of the adversary. The shooter has the right to attack. His opponent can only launch an attack if he manages to deflect the threatening point.

The sword, advanced weapon: you can touch the opponent’s body. The sword is the weapon that most respects the conditions of a true duel.

The sabre, point and size weapon: the key can be carried with the point and with the edge of the weapon on the head, the arms and the torso of the adversary.

artistic fencing

Created in 2006, the artistic section trains and rehearses throughout the year. She is found during shows on historical festivals (Issel, St Félix de Lauragais, Mirepoix).

Spectacle fencing stages choreographed fights with real weapons where historical research makes it possible to create and interpret realistic duels while paying attention to the safety of the swordsmen and the public.

You have to have a taste for the show and a developed creative sense. The scenic acting, the choice of costumes, music… are elements that complete the duels with panache. From knights to pirates via musketeers, who hasn’t dreamed of becoming for a moment D’Artagnan, Lagardère, Zorro and so many others?

A champion in the club

The club has a champion in the disabled section, saber fencer Xavier Déré. He qualified for his first World Cup circuit in October and finished 21st in sabre. National classification at the end of the 2nd circuit. National and international travel requires a substantial budget to help him as much as possible in his career. The club appeals to generous donors.

Contact: Email: escrime.castelnaudary@gmail.com

Website: www.escrime-castelnaudary.fr