"For George Washington, a Sword Was Much More" Topic

,…Than an Accessory

"It isn't difficult to understand George Washington's interest in becoming an expert fencer while stationed in Winchester, Virginia. It was not necessarily about improving his military skills, though that was certainly a part of the attraction. This was an ancient sport with obvious martial origins that British and European citizens cherished for several reasons. It allowed them to display their skill and prowess, and it also offered defense of a man's sacred honor. The sport fit George's vision of courage, bravery, and honor like a glove.

Since I inherited an unwieldy showpiece of a 19th century cavalry sabre myself—one that hangs on a door as a means of last defense outside my bedroom—I decided that lessons at the Virginia Academy of Fencing in nearby Fairfax County might allow me to kill two birds with one weapon. I could bolster my home defenses and also gain some insight into the otherwise arcane—to me, at least—world of 18th century fencing. The idea of taking up the sport of sword fighting also sounded like a lot of good fun…"
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