It’s not just the agile and quick movements of fencing that draw Tom Huwalt to the centuries-old sport, but also the historical preservation aspect of the motions.
“I’ve been obsessed with history and swords since I was a kid,” said the South Greensburg man.
William Moore of Hunker also expressed an interest in fencing at a young age, but he didn’t pick up the hobby until later in life.
Now, he uses weekly sessions at St. Clair Park in Greensburg as a way to work on motor skills, focus and balance, while doing something he enjoys.
“I love it from sort of a martial arts perspective,” Moore said. “I think it’s just a good way to get out, blow off some steam.”
Huwalt and Moore co-founded Blue Steele Classical Fencing, a club that meets Saturday mornings in the Robertshaw Amphitheater. The sessions are relaxed and open to anyone 18 and older, regardless of experience.
Those who attend typically go through lessons and drills. A duel is held once a month.
“We start them from the foundations of fencing … then we just build from there,” Huwalt said.
The sport’s first appearance in the Olympics was in 1896 in Athens, though it had been gaining popularity in Europe for centuries prior, according to the Olympics. Competitors must have quick footwork and balance to use a type of sword to hit an opponent in a specific target area on their body.
The Blue Steele Classical Fencing group focuses on French and British sabre and smallsword sources from the Napoleonic era. Club members also have been trying out longswords, which are much bigger. They have several historical books on hand, in order to stay as accurate as possible to the techniques.
On a recent weekend session, participants practiced moves while holding the swords and worked on hitting an opponent.
“I really like how these guys do a lot of attention to doing drills,” in addition to the history research, said Edward Plum of Greensburg.
Drills may not be as exciting as a duel or sparring, but it’s important to learn the basics, said Brendan Bailey of Collinsburg.
“That’s the core and foundation,” he said.
Huwalt and Moore have been pleased by the interest so far. The group has been meeting at the park since December.
“We hope that we can add a few more members this summer and continue to grow and also keep our historical focus,” Moore said.