It might not be the most popular or glamorous sport, particularly to the younger generation.
But fencing club leaders in Liverpool are hoping to foil that perception and make it much more accessible.
Liverpool Fencing Club is looking to boost participation levels while erasing negative stereotypes around it.
For some, it is still seen as an activity for the wealthier, more upper-class demographic.
However, Liverpool Fencing Club coach Liam Melvein is looking to change that.
Melvein has been fencing for 13 years but had to wait until he went to university in Liverpool to take part in the sport as there were no opportunities before that.
Now he senses attitudes are changing towards the sport as there is more accessibility to fencing.
Speaking to Merseysportlive, he said: “We pride ourselves at Liverpool of being open to anyone to come in.
“Participation levels range from all ages and both sexes.
“We have men’s and women’s, juniors, adults, veterans.
“It’s open to everybody and if anyone has any specific accessibility needs, we do our best to get everyone involved.
“We want to be a sport that anyone can join in with.”
The club have set out three key traits in their mission statement.
They are to improve participation levels in the Merseyside area, to offer a safe and inclusive environment to all willing to learn the sport and to support members in their competitive fencing careers.
Liverpool Fencing Club is for everyone
Students Cole and Chris have been members of the club for five months and are grateful for the opportunity.
They attend Thursday classes at LJMU and like their coach, weren’t granted access to the sport before studying in Liverpool.
Chris said: “It’s always something I’d considered doing at some point.
“As far as I was concerned, it was something fun and excellent to do on a Thursday evening when I’ve got nothing better to do.”
Meanwhile, Cole stressed the demographic is changing and has noticed a lot of younger people getting involved.
He said: “People like myself and others that have come to the club from a non silver spoon background are breaking into the sport.
“There’s definitely a lot more younger people coming through.”
Cole recently competed in the Manchester Open, a tournament open to everyone at club and university level.
He will also be participating in the Merseyside Open later this month in the Foil and Epee events.
Watch below as the coach and members of Liverpool Fencing Club give their takes on the current standing of the sport:
