Neighbors may have seen two men fencing on Saturday mornings around 10 a.m. on the basketball court behind Sierra 2. They are usually dressed in the full regalia of equipment with face masks, fencing jackets for chest protection, heavy gloves and blunted sword tips.
They are students at the Sacramento Sword School at Sierra 2. The school website says, “Our focus is the study of traditional and historical European sword combat of the 16th through 19th centuries. We study historical knowledge and perspective, and use our collective fencing, martial arts, research and teaching experience to bring these arts to life.”
The school’s two owners and instructors are Eric Myers and Puck Curtis. Both are certified as masters at arms in classical Italian fencing through the San Jose State University masters fencing program. Both also studied martial arts in the Spanish and Portuguese traditions.
“The sport is more like an advanced game of tag,” Eric Myers said. “You try to hit your opponent, while minimizing your risk of a cut. Training involves the use of scientific analysis, and exercise of both the mind and body, with strategic moves like the game of chess.”
Classes are held weekly from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays in Studio 2 in the Dance Wing. Classes are $60 per month and have about six to 15 enrolled students. The minimum age is 14 with students up to 70 years encouraged. For more details: sacramentoswordschool.com.