FENCING: A POPULAR coaching course is sparking local interest in the traditional art of fencing.

Scores of youngsters have dropped football, rugby and hockey and flocked to Sandbach Leisure Centre to sell out a 10-week course in the 335-year-old discipline.

While receiving little publicity, fencing is one of only five sports that have featured in every Olympic Games since 1896 and still holds an attraction for young and old.

Taught by Professor Bob Merry, who has 48 years of fencing experience, the kids are learning how to handle an Epee, foil and sabre, the three types of fencing weapons, under the safest conditions.

Mr Merry, who earned the right to be called 'professor' after passing the British Academy of Fencing's Level Five Diploma, admits he is delighted with the response and hopes it will kindle more interest in the area.

He said: 'There were a few fencing clubs in South Cheshire years ago, including one at Crewe, but they closed down. Once the coach moves on or retires the club tends to fold.

'But I have been pleased with the response in Sandbach and I hope to set something up in Macclesfield. I would urge anyone to give it a go.

'It is a sport for all. Most clubs take youngsters from age eight and have members in the 60s, 70s and even their 80s. There are equal opportunities for men and women to take part, and statistics show that although you are simulating a 300-year-old tradition of sorting out differences, it's as safe as lawn bowls.

'And you don't have to be a superb athlete. As a youngster I was shortsighted, small and weedy and that is the last type of person you would expect to become a sportsman.

'Fencing is not about who is strongest, who can run fastest or jump highest. It is a test of minds, a mental challenge. It is about technique and cunning, and you can even let your competitor do all the hard work in if you get the vital hits.'

Electronic equipment and hi-tech protective clothing are now vital parts of the sport, which requires lightning reflexes and a great deal of tactical nous.

A taster session was held at the leisure centre, on Middlewich Road, for children aged eight and upward and a 10-hour course got under way on Saturday.

Mr Merry, a former RAF radar technician and Granada TV vision engineer, was North West Epee Champion during his competition days.

He was first to spot the potential of Commonwealth silver medallist Jonathan Willis, who is a Great Britain medal hope for the London Olympics in 2012, and said he is happy to advise anyone interested in taking up the sport.

Mr Merry, from Bramhall, insists it is not so different from more mainstream martial arts. He explained: 'All martial arts have an affinity.

Fencing is a more Western discipline, rather than the likes of Kendo from the East. But there are many similarities.

'I find that if someone has studied another martial art, it is easier for them to pick up fencing. The balance and footwork are similar, as well as the way the brain works.

For advice and information about fencing opportunities, contact professor Bob Merry on 0161 4409613. For information on activities at Sandbach Leisure Centre, call 01270 767129.