Have you ever disliked something, only to try it and discover you liked it after all?
I originally disliked swordfighting and found it weird. I wanted nothing to do with it, but then the new school year started. We had to pick three options for our “x-block” period. (X-block is what my school, High Tech High, calls an elective.)
Most of the options were only for 11th and 12th graders, so as a new 10th grader, I didn’t have many options. Swordfighting happened to be on there, so I put it as a backup choice, hoping I wouldn’t get in.
I got the email in the middle of class the next day. I instantly panicked. I didn’t know anything about swordfighting. It seemed too rough and weird to me. My friends, the ones who already did this sport, were sitting right next to me, so I showed them the email. They immediately reassured me, telling me everyone there was nice, and filling me in on some basics. It was nice, but it didn’t exactly calm down my panic and internal screaming.
That’s how I got into swordfighting — my original third choice.
The next afternoon, I walked in quietly and nervously. Everyone else in the class looked either scary or intimidating. That was my first impression. I ended up having fun that day, because the teacher was very helpful and nice. I learned a lot and ended up meeting new people.
As the weeks went on, I got more help from others and made new friends. We freshmen were all new to this x-block and sport, and laughed about our failures as we learned together.
What surprised me the most was that the experienced, older fighters were the most friendly and helpful. While my freshman friends were more fun, the seniors were the most patient and stuck with you, giving tips.
They even encouraged me to join the club, and I did. Everyone who was in the club was someone I knew, so we were a close group and helped each other out while having friendly competition.
I learned a lot. For example, there is more to swordfighting than just the sword. They taught me how to use a shield and a javelin, which I found annoying to use, and there are even some pikes for the more advanced or daring fighters. I’m not ready to touch those yet, but I’ve grown more comfortable with the shield and sword combination.
I also like swordfighting because it keeps me active. I’m not much of a competitive person, but having something to do, like a sport, makes me feel better and I get exercise in this way.
“Sword training is an intense aerobic activity. It offers a comprehensive fitness regimen that elevates your heart rate, which in turn improves your cardiovascular endurance. Consistent practice helps burn calories and increases lung capacity,” according to the Sword Experience website. “Unlike traditional workouts that isolate muscle groups, sword fighting engages the entire body. Each session improves muscular endurance, stamina and overall conditioning.”
Swordfighting now gives me three hours and twenty minutes of this all-around conditioning every week.
I’ve always had a problem with balance and coordination, but sword fighting helps improve those skills for me. I grew faster and quicker, without toppling over. It turns out that swordplay isn’t just good for exercise; it also enhances and improves many other important skills your body has.
It also helps improve my social skills and circles, allowing me to get to know other people I most likely wouldn’t have gotten to know if I hadn’t joined the sport.
The javelin is still annoying to me, but I’m getting used to it.
Kylie Wisdom and she is a 10th-grade student at High Tech High in Point Loma.
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