The word "fencing" conjures up images of ancient knights duelling to the death. But believe me, there's nothing remotely quaint about this intensive sport - it demands precision, agility, speed and tactical thinking.

I scoffed after being warned that I would be "dead on my feet" after my first lesson, but a few minutes into the session I was panting hard as I stood in the thigh-busting "en guard" position, my arms ached from the effort of holding up the thin, lethal-looking sword and my legs shook from lunging forward to deflect my trainer's sword. Forty-five minutes later, I hobbled out with a new respect for this ancient art.

"Fencing is like chess," says Dr Mikhail "Misha" Galoukhin, national fencing coach of South Africa and founder of the Cape Fencing Academy in Tokai, Cape Town. "Every move you make requires strategic thinking and the physical ability to react with lightning speed to gain an advantage."

Although fencing is based on the concept of traditional combat, Galoukhin maintains that the sport is perfect for women because brute strength comes a poor second to the advantages of being light, nimble-footed and a quick thinker.

"After only four months of fencing, I'm completely hooked," says Cheryl Cowley, 54, one of Galoukhin's students. "I've tried everything from swimming to boxing, but this is the only sport that is physically demanding and mentally challenging. Even when your body's exhausted, your head keeps you going - it's a total rush."

Another bonus of the sport, Cowley claims, is that even if you only discover it at a later age, as she has, age won't count against you. "Older players may not move as fast but we have the advantage of thinking smarter."

Weapons

Fencing revolves around three main weapons, known as disciplines.

Foil:
Derived from the short court sword of the 17th and 18th centuries, the foil is light and whippy. A "hit" is registered when you touch your opponent's torso (excluding the arms, legs or head) with the (blunt) tip of your weapon.

Йpйe:
The йpйe, which is stiffer and heavier than the foil, was developed specifically for duel training during the 19th century. Your opponent's whole body is a valid target area.

Sabre:
The sabre is a light, cut-and-thrust weapon that evolved from duels on horseback. The valid target area is anywhere on the body above the waistline, including the arms and mask.

All this weapon talk may sound grisly, but really there's nothing to worry about as modern-day fencing is 100% safe: the weapons are blunt, target areas are restricted, and each fencer is required to wear a mask and protective clothing.

Rules of engagement
Two fencers face each other in the "en guard" position (a ballet-like pose that helps the fencer get ready to pounce) on a long strip of conducting material called a piste. In order to help the referee control the bout, the piste, weapons and protective clothing are all linked to an electrical scoring apparatus that flashes different coloured lights to indicate when a fencer has been hit. The first fencer to make a valid hit, scores.

A warrior's wardrobe
Kitting yourself out can be expensive, so rather borrow from your local academy or university fencing club until you're ready to invest the time and the money. Other than a sword, you'll need:

Mask: a standard mask is worn for the foil and йpйe disciplines but a special mask that registers hits to the head has to be worn for the sabre discipline.

Plastron: for competitive fencers, this protective layer - worn under the jacket on the sword-arm side - is essential.

Jacket: your jacket will have extra padding on your sword-arm side, and zips or buttons are sewn in on the unarmed side. Women wear a breast-plate under their jackets.

Lamй: foil and sabre bouts are fought in an electric jacket that registers when the target area of the torso has been hit.

Body-wire: this connects the sword to a reel, which in turn is connected to the scoring apparatus. It threads along the arm of your jacket to your sword.

Glove: for protection and allows for better grip of your weapon.

Breeches: these half-length trousers have padding on the forward leg to protect against being hit.

Socks: knee-high socks are worn to protect the shins.

Shoes: you can buy proper fencing shoes but any non-marking squash shoe works just as well.

So whether you want to test your reflexes, make like Madonna in the latest James Bond music video, or simply want to keep fit, why not give fencing a go?

Finding fencers

Gauteng: Tyshler Fencing School: Gennadi Tyshler 011-7924338 or visit: http://www.fencingschool.co.za/ , Soweto Fencing Club: Mpho Nkoane 012-8057085
Cape Town: Cape Fencing Academy: Dr Mikhail Galoukhin: 021-5312145, UCT Fencing Club: Ian Jonker: 021-7978442
Free State: Bloemfontein Fencing Centre: Bertus Nieuwenhuis 051-4212102
KwaZulu-Natal: University of Natal Durban: Adrian Bellengere 031-2664062 or visit: http://www.undfencing.cjb.net/