Fencing in Lima: a sport that combines history and passion

Fencing, that sport that transports us to medieval times and makes us feel like true knights or warriors, has been gaining popularity in Lima. Through its elegant and precise movements, fencing has become a discipline that combines physical and mental dexterity, attracting both children and adults looking for a different and challenging sporting activity. From its origins as a form of military training in the Middle Ages, fencing has evolved into an Olympic sport, with a presence in the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. In Peru, fencing began to be practiced in the 1940s in private clubs and in the schools of the Armed Forces and police, eventually being represented in international events such as the Olympic Games. One of the most prominent examples of Peruvian fencing is María Luisa Doig, who in 2008 achieved the country's first Olympic qualification in this sport and will be the national flag bearer at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Her dedication and passion for fencing have inspired young people like Silvana, an 8-year-old girl who dreams of following in her footsteps and becoming a champion. The influence of figures like Doig has helped popularize fencing among the new generation of Peruvian athletes. In Lima, there are various certified academies that offer fencing instruction, such as the Peruvian Fencing Society in San Borja. There, instructors like Fernando Canchez are responsible for training young fencers, with the goal of preparing them both physically and mentally for high-level competition. The basic principles of modern fencing are based on the confrontation between two competitors, each with a weapon in one hand, aiming to strike their opponent in a valid area of the body to score points and win the bout. Fencing is divided into different modalities according to the type of weapon used, such as the foil, the epee, and the sabre, each with specific rules. Competitors aim to reach 15 points or achieve the highest score at the end of three three-minute rounds to secure victory. Precision, speed, and strategy are essential in this sport, where every move counts and concentration is key to anticipating the opponent. In addition to the sporting aspect, fencing has also sparked public interest through series and movies that recreate sword-fighting scenes. Productions like "House of the Dragon" or "Game of Thrones" have contributed to popularizing this sport, showcasing the elegance and technique required to master a sword. Even in the cinematic realm, fencing has played an important role, with renowned masters like Bob Anderson instructing actors in the art of swordplay. Fencing is not only a physically demanding sport, but it also promotes values such as discipline, elegance, and respect for the opponent. For many practitioners, fencing represents a constant challenge that helps them improve their coordination, reflexes, and posture, in addition to being a unique way to connect with the history and tradition of this ancient sport. In an increasingly technological and fast-paced world, fencing invites us to disconnect for a moment and immerse ourselves in a universe of duels and strategies worthy of an epic film.