Fencing is a great sport,” says Dan Mugglestone, 15, “it involves your mind more than most other sports – you’re always trying to outthink your opponent and second-guess their next move.”
Dan, a St Clement Danes student, belongs to Three Rivers Young Blades Fencing Club
“Fencing also keeps you really flexible, the first time I started it was quite hard on my legs, but after a few weeks they got strong enough to hold my en garde position”
Dan’s coach is Dominique Szokolovics from Chorleywood
“Having someone as experienced as Dominique as a coach really helps to speed up your training and her advice makes a big difference”
Dominique represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in November 2014 s Foil Captain (Fencing has three disciplines: Foil, Epee & Sabre, each with different rules and target areas) With her throughout the competition in Scotland last month was Nicky Edwards of sponsors Chiltern Physiotherapy,
“Dominique became the No 1 ranked UK woman fencer before retiring through injury.” says Nicky, “She came to us having totally wrecked her knee by rupturing a ligament.” says Nicky, ” After surgery, treatment and an accelerated rehab programme she is back in competitive fencing at an international level. After working with Dominique I was asked to work with the whole, Games squad. Dominique won 4 out of 4 poule fights!”
Dominique has been fencing since the age of eight
“I watched a lot of films featuring fencing so I decided to start. I joined a club with eight boys and, when I beat all of them, I realised that I was quite good! Being in an international competition is scary, but I’m always well-prepared. Fencing is good for young people because it gives them rules and discipline, and it’s complex.”
Dan would definitely agree
Three Rivers Young Blades Fencing Club, (7-17 yrs) www.tryb.org.uk Mon & Wed evenings at The Royal Masonic School.
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