COPLAY, Pa. – It’s not your average workout. Think swords, strategy, and a little bit of history.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has the story from Coplay on how one class is taking knights to modern day.
Taylor Finestra, an Instructor at L’arte Lehigh Valley Historical Fencing, said she teaches the Women’s Introduction to Italian Longsword. The course teaches the offensive and defensive techniques of 1400’s fencing master Fiore dei Liberi.
The course gives students the space for swordplay, she said.
Instructor Kitarina Ceasg said she teaches about fencing with longswords, as well as a women’s introductory class to Viking-age combat. Since there aren’t really any documents to draw from, the course draws on stories from Viking sagas and artwork. Ceasg said she also incorporates German fencing techniques into the class.
Instructor Brad Lynn said some world-recognized tournaments have taken place at the venue in Coplay.
Instructor Brandon Fogal said fencing is a great way to get exercise and can be more engaging than a regular workout. He said he loves the history aspect of the fencing classes and learning what someone might have been doing hundreds of years ago.
There is plenty of protective gear to ensure a safe and fun experience.
To join, people can go to the group’s Facebook page and register for classes. He said the group just surpassed 1,000 subscribers.