The virtues of fencing
I think fencing should be promoted in schools. Fencing is a martial art that uses a kind of sword and it requires some protective clothing to ensure the safety of the athletes.
Although the equipment is costly, fencing is the perfect sport for schools because it doesn't need much space. You also don't need to book a place for practice.
Perhaps it looks easy, but fencing involves some real skills - particularly footwork - and practice is essential if you want to be a skilful fencer. However, physical strength is not important, so almost anyone can participate.
Fencing is good for honing the reflexes. It's a fast sport, and you have to react quickly. So, if you're a passive person, fencing is a good way to train yourself to become more active and improve your ability to react quickly to things.
Fencing would work well as a school sport - it's good for building up physical and mental strength.
Christine Fong, S.K.H. Lam Kau Mow Secondary School
From the Editor
Thank you, Christine, for your innovative letter. It is always good to hear our readers being passionate about sport. It seems a few of our readers are interested in doing this sport and it is offered by some local schools. Of course, anything that encourages people to do exercise should get the thumbs-up. But often adding new sports to schools is about more than just space and money.
Fencing is not a usual school sport, like basketball or table tennis, so it might be difficult to find teachers who know anything about it.
I hope your dream comes true and you can have fencing classes at your school. But if that is not possible, you might like to find classes outside school. Good luck.
Susan, Editor
