A South student in 2015 had a dream, and that dream created a path for students across District 225 to explore a new passion: the precise and strategic game of fencing.

The centuries-old dance of swords is a game of anticipation and precision, with every move being more vital than the last in competitions, Fencing Coach Edward Kaihatsu said. Fencing is both physically and intellectually demanding, allowing for a wide and nonspecific range of students.

The sport is made up of three swords; épée, foil, and sabre. Each sword calls for different physical, emotional, and cognitive traits, Kaihatsu said.

“[A fencer’s sword] used to be based on physical attributes, but now it is more based on personal attributes,” Kaihatsu said. “Physical attributes can be overcome if somebody is more aggressive, or able to manipulate and negate [opponents’] physical qualities.” Kaihatsu said.

Epée is the heaviest of the weapons and these duels have the longest duration, typically being left to the stronger and more patient fencers that can adjust their strategies during the match, high school and college careers

In foil duels, only the torso is targeted and there is a complicated concept called “right of way,” the priority to score, Kaihatsu said. This characterizes foil fencers as the schemers, giving them room to mess with their opponents, Kaihatsu explained. 

Sabre fencers target the entire upper part of the body and their duels move the fastest, emphasizing quick attacks.

The competitions are made up of bouts, which are individual games, according to USAfencing.org. Championships are both individual and team matches, Kaihatsu said.

Kaihatsu has 40 years of experience under his belt. His origins from Shanghai gave him a strong appreciation for the traditional game, leading him to carry it through his

. His experience coaching collegiate-level fencers at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois created a strong and competitive edge in his coaching style. Kaihatsu has learned that with beginning fencers it takes patience and gratitude for the smaller accomplishments.

“Being a college coach for as long as I have [I have learned], the team is everything,” Kaihatsu said. 

Though fencing is based around the team, a fencer is always alone in their mind. Discipline and emotional control are vital for becoming a talented fencer, senior fencer Anthony Polonski said.

“Slowly but surely I learned to zero my emotions before a bout,” Polonski said. “Anyone can start trying to fence and learn the strategies, but if your emotions and mind are not straight it really messes you up.”

In fencing, there is not a single defining factor that predetermines the victor of a duel. Success is left in the hands of the most determined and fervent individual, Kaihatsu said.

“You don’t have to be seven feet tall, or throw 70-miles-an-hour, or run a 6.2 100-meter dash to be a good fencer,” Kaihatsu said. “It’s about will, it’s about who wants it more. That’s what I love about fencing.”