Modern fencing has its origins in the foundation of the Académie des Maistres en faits d’armes de l’Académie du Roy (also known as the Ecole Française d’Escrime) by Charles IX in 1567. At EINY, students start very young, which means that the equipment is sometimes heavy; the most talented are spotted early on, and offered further training.
Physical benefits include improved balance and coordination, strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. Fencing also produces a mens sana in addition to a corpore sano, improving concentration, sensitivity, responsiveness, decisiveness and overall mental acuity and flexibility.