There is a subculture in Eugene that very few people think to look for. It is something that provides its participants with athletic stimulation, mental acuity, a sense of belonging, and sharing of passion. The fencers of Eugene are a rare find, but the few who partake of this practice do so for one simple reason: they love it. In our pursuit to discover what drew people to fencing we discovered three groups in Eugene who practice and teach on a regular basis. There is the Eugene Fencers Club, the UO Fencing Club at the University of Oregon, and the Northwest Fencing Academy in West Eugene. Each group has their own way of practicing, and their own story to tell.

We had a chance to speak to some members and instructors in each group, and were surprised at the variety of people we came into contact with. There is no age limit, as proven at the Eugene Fencers Club, where some of the beginners are only in Middle school. One member, Bob Smith, is an 82-year-old beginner who discovered the Club in the newspaper when he was looking for a way to stay active. There have been advances that provide for a more modern way of competing, which the Club utilizes. There is a specialized vest worn during bouts that keeps track of the Eugene Fencers’ hits. Both fencers are attached to a machine that keeps score. After each hit, both fencers glance at the glowing red numbers to see who hit their mark.

Founder, President, and Head Coach, Paul McNamara has been teaching fencing in the evening at Roosevelt Middle School since 1977. Natalie Whitson, who is the coach for beginners, has taken her passion so far as to publish a book called Advice to a Sword-Wielding Maniac. Together they teach a variety of different levels with different techniques and activities. Veterans of the sport team up with beginners and share their knowledge and skill so that everyone can achieve the level they hope to. There is an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and community. Mary Lowe practiced fencing in college, and she expressed this sentiment perfectly when she said, “You’re really happy when the other person does a great move and you are happy for them and kind of proud of them.”

The UO Fencing Club provides students at the University the opportunity to work together and learn from each other. Every member has their own story for why they got started in fencing. Holly Bishop, head coordinator for the UO Club stumbled upon fencing while looking to take up archery. Once she tried it, however, she found that she loved it and is now the representative for fencing to UO Club Sports.

Several members had prior experience in fencing and found the opportunity to pick up their sword again when they came to college. Max began fencing in elementary school, and seized the opportunity pick it up again at the University. He has no goals of continuing at a competitive level; he is simply here to for the exercise and the camaraderie. Kristin shared with us that she made a promise to a friend that she would take up fencing, a long time goal. When her friend passed away, she pursued her dream to honor him. She now hopes to one day compete at tournaments in places such as Portland or Seattle with some of the masters of the art.

The Northwest Fencing Academy provides a broader spectrum of weaponry for those who might be interested. The owner and instructor, Sean Hayes, has been trained in fencing as well as other medieval martial arts known as L’arte dell’Armizare, an Italian form of martial arts practiced by medieval aristocrats. His interest in swordplay began as a child and he first began in fencing. The art of fencing eventually led to an interest in the history of medieval martial arts, which he began studying and learning. His research provided him the opportunity to study books reprinted from 700 year old texts. He now teaches these arts in addition to fencing, which makes for quite a display of weaponry lining the walls of his studio.

Hayes has competed in tournaments and taught at workshops in such places internationally as Helsinki, Finland and the Royal Armories in Britain on multiple occasions. He has also participated in several that take place all over North America. He particularly enjoys the opportunity to compete against and exchange ideas with other masters of the craft from all over the world. Although the limited time which workshops provide brings new challenges to teaching, Hayes appreciates teaching beginners and other masters something they might not have known before, and being challenged by them in turn. This provides a community for those who are passionate about these arts that spans the globe.

The participants of this art have provided a glimpse into their lives and their passion for this sport. Some participate at the more modern level, or practice in the old ways. Some are in it to see how high they can reach on the competitive level, some simply for the exercise. Whether they are in the later years of their life, or just getting started in the world, all of them come back for the same reason. They love what they do. They love the art that is swordplay.