Western European martial arts, primarily Italian and French fencing, as well as Scottish broadsword and other traditional cultural arts are all part of a program offered by the Southern Tier Hoplological Society (STHS), a non-profit organization based out of Tioga County, N.Y. (Photos by: JoAnn R. Walter)
Students in a fencing class offered by the STHS practice technique and footwork skills. A class is held on Fridays at Newark Valley High School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, visit them on Facebook, sths.wikidot.com, or contact Burton Taylor at (607) 972-5276.
Pictured in the foreground, on the left, is instructor Burton Taylor and a student in a fencing class offered by the STHS at Newark Valley High School. A class is held on Fridays at the school from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, visit them on Facebook, sths.wikidot.com, or contact Burton Taylor at (607) 972-5276.
While March Madness dominated the attention of college basketball fans nationwide last month, “March Stabness,” the NCAA Fencing Championships, brought the nation’s most talented fencers together, both men and women, for a multi-event tournament.
Whether you recognize fencing from the Olympic Games or on the collegiate level, or have seen it featured in movies, books or elsewhere, the sport of fencing has a fascinating history. Competitive fencing is one of five activities that remains a part of the modern Olympic Games since its introduction in 1896. Origins of fencing, which date back thousands of years ago to Ancient Egypt and Europe, back in the day of sword fights and duels, evolved into a form of military training before it became a sport.
For the 20 students who gather weekly at the Newark Valley High School (NVHS) in Newark Valley, N.Y., participating in the sport of fencing is an opportunity to not only practice the skills associated with the sport, but also study the development of fencing and appreciate its rich history.
Western European martial arts, primarily Italian and French fencing, as well as Scottish broadsword and other traditional cultural arts are all part of a program offered by the Southern Tier Hoplological Society (STHS), a non-profit organization based out of Tioga County, N.Y. Although some competitive aspects are part of the program, it is not the primary focus of STHS.
Instructor Burton Taylor explained, “Our program preps students and is a good foundation for other martial arts, as well as teaches discipline, awareness, and thinking under pressure.”
Taylor, who was first introduced to the sport while himself a student at Tompkins-Cortland Community College, has been involved with fencing for about 20 years.
“I just fell in love with it,” Taylor commented.
The STHS mission encompasses several points, which includes promoting physical fitness, leadership and decision-making skills, as well as awareness of one’s surroundings, respect, and safety, just to name a few.
Typically not a word you hear every day, hoplology is a science that studies human combative behavior and performance. The word has roots in the Greek terms hoplos (a mythical plate-armored animal) and hoplite (a classical Greek warrior).
Participants involved in modern fencing use one of three weapons, including the foil, which is flexible and has a flattened tip, the saber or the largest of the three, the French épée. A sport with high safety standards, fencing utilizes protective uniforms, gloves, a wire-mesh mask and other gear. Students also learn posture, footwork and technique, and go through a variety of exercise drills.
Current STHS classes, held year-round, are offered at NVHS on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. STHS welcomes both male and female students of any age. The first class is free and a fee schedule per individual or family is offered. An additional class is tentatively scheduled at the West Endicott Fire Station at a later date.
For more information, find the Southern Tier Hoplological Society on Facebook, contact Burton Taylor at (607) 972-5276, or visit their website, sths.wikidot.com.
