Time to duel
PRAEGVILLE – If you are looking for a fun, 'different', and safe combat sport, then fencing is for you.
There is no safer place to cross swords with someone than at Tyshler Fencing School.
The school, which is based at the Randburg Sports Complex in Praegville, has seen épée swords flashing and clanging between fencers for 25 years.
Many of the school’s top fencers have gone on to represent South Africa, including Harry and Jeremy Saner and Pavel Tyshler who are currently competing at the International Fencing Federation World Cup in Germany.
These three are trying to improve their international rankings before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers begin in April.
Dr Gennady Tyshler, who runs the school along with his wife, Natalia, said social fencers and international competitors alike called the school their home.
“Sometimes the person does not want to compete in fencing, they just come for training, which is fine too,” he said.
Tyshler is the president of the International Fencing Federation Coaching Council
He and the coaches under him provide world-class lessons to all who come, which has helped make the school the centre of fencing in South Africa.
Community members were fortunate, Tyshler said, to have a fencing school such as his in the area, which could help them train to be some of the top fencers in the country.
“I would say people should come to have a good time and try something different. You can have individual lessons with a coach that are much cheaper than [they would be with] a personal fitness trainer, and you get fit.”
Another reason to take up fencing is the chance of eventually competing in international competitions, and even the Olympics.
Also, due to the protective equipment, fencing is one of the safest combat sports you can do, Tyshler said.
“Children can start from eight years old and it builds character and decision-making for them.”
The school trains fencers from eight to over 60 years old, and Tyshler said one can never stop doing fencing.
Details: Tyshler Fencing School mail@fencingschool.co.za; 011 792 4338; 082 457 4543.
Also read: SA’s best fencers cross swords at the Randburg Sports Complex
