As the respiratory rate increases and deepens during a match, the oxygen levels in the blood rise. When the heart rate increases, the small blood vessels, or capillaries, widen. Doing so regularly makes the heart stronger, pumping blood more efficiently even when not exercising.

Fencing supports heart and mental health by increasing oxygen in the blood and releasing endorphins that promote a positive sense of well-being. The extra oxygen released in the blood also heightens circulation, boosts the immune system and enhances the body’s ability to remove pollutants such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.

Fencing is an explosive start/stop sport where periods of high-intensity activity are interspersed by short periods of recovery. Fencing will help develop the body’s ability to perform activity independent of oxygen consumption. As the body’s anaerobic fitness improves, it can work harder and for longer before lactic acid builds up in the muscles and forces them to slow down or stop.

Fencing involves intense footwork to keep distance with the opponent, requiring speed and flexibility. Since fencing bouts involve many attacks and counterattacks, a fencer needs peak muscular endurance to avoid becoming fatigued before even getting a point.

The art of fencing requires quick responsive movements to counter attacks from an opponent and to place the opponent on the defensive. This requires the mind and body to remain agile and alert.

Fencing requires the use of a wide range of motion to respond and deflect opposing attacks. The core, arms, and legs all develop a good deal of flexibility in fencers.

Since fencing is an offensive and defensive sport, balance is key. The constant motion strengthens the core and increases balance in day to day life as well.

Unlike cyclic sports such as running and rowing, fencing requires the body to move in full range, forcing arms and legs to work together in a harmonious fashion as they attack, defend and counter-attack. Coordination makes all these moves smoother and more efficient during a match.

Fencing is often referred to as physical chess due to the logic and strategy tactics behind the movements. It enhances analytical and strategic capabilities by emphasizing a cool and calculating manner before passion and improvisation. Matches are won on split-second physical and psychological observations of an opponent’s skills and fencing personality, whether passive or aggressive.

Because it is both a physical and mental sport, it is highly stress-reducing. The mind is focused on a game, and the body produces feel-good endorphins, resulting in a win-win situation as far as the body is concerned. Aggression and frustration can be released through fencing in a controlled environment.

Fencing is like a game of physical chess. Every move by the opponent requires a response and reaction.  The key is learning to think strategically so that you can score a hit or point.

Fencing is a wonderful tool to boost confidence.  To meet an opponent’s attack, the fencer has to be quick on their feet with their defensive strategy; this means there’s no time for second-guessing oneself.  Fencing requires bold moves and self-assuredness both in defence and offence.

One of the key benefits of a fencing environment is the possibility to make friends.  Fencing bridges the gap between age differences, sexes, sizes, and ethnicity. It opens the door to a network of friends that might not have been available through everyday venues such as school and workplace. This exposes you to many different types of personalities and experiences they might not have otherwise faced.

Sports and physical activity can help students to develop valuable transferable skills such as time management, focus, the ability to perform under pressure, leadership and communication. Fencing encourages positive cognitive development by developing and learning to use the core skills of the brain to think, read, learn, remember, reason and problem-solve.