Greetings,
Fencing for the blind? What is this crazy idea? It's not that crazy and it is a compulsory element in the rehabilitation program at the Carroll Centre for the Blind and has been since a little after World War II. What follows is not a detailed discussion of fencing for the blind, I wish merely to present an introduction and some ideas about the concept. I have previously discussed in several articles fencing from a chair, now I wish to discuss the idea of fencing for the blind.
What about seeing?
The concept of fencing for the blind is one which some people will have a hard time getting their heads around. The primary stumbling block for people is that the blind person cannot see. How will they find their opponent? How will they defend themselves if they can't see their opponent's weapon? This is looking at the situation from entirely the wrong perspective. This is focusing on problems and not focusing on solutions, or opportunities for learning.
Isn't seeing a prerequisite for fencing? No, it isn't. There are times when vision is not the best asset at all when feeling is a much better asset, and a person who has low vision, or who is blind has a much improved sense of feeling. If you haven't heard of the term senso di ferro or sentiment du fer or tacto or fühlen, and can't describe what they mean, then your training is sadly lacking. I would suggest that you need some more training, and need to do some research.
The blind fencer sees through touch, and also hearing. They feel where their opponent is located, they feel where their opponent's sword is located. The blind actually have a great advantage in this area because they use the sense of feeling to find their way around the world. The walking cane is simply swapped for a sword.
Method
There are two different methods which are suggested for use and you can see examples of these found on the internet and on YouTube if you look up "blind fencing" and ignore all the building instruction for fences, here is an example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJQf1V6zBAw. There two methods proposed: one where the fencers are immobile, the rarer of the two; and the other where the fencers are as mobile as usual on the strip. The former does not allow any kind of footwork, and minimal use of the body, the latter allows the fencers to use the strip to move along, like fencers usually do.
For the classical fencer, the scoring apparatus is removed. Depending on how "classical" the weapons might be changed. Everything else remains the same.
For the historical fencer, not used to the strip a method somewhere in between could be found; an area marked out and roped off for the fencers allowing them some of their usual lateral movement but encouraging them to face one another directly. Safety officers would have to ensure that the fencers do not hit the edges of this area, but it could be workable.
The fencers would start with their weapons crossed at the debole so they would know their positions initially, and then they would move from there. They could remain engaged or quit the engagement as is their choice, there would be a point of reference for where the opponent was, they would then have to find the opponent again through a combination of sound and feeling, if the engagement was quit.
No mention of safety gear is made because there are no changes required. The only increase in safety rules that is required is that safety officers will need to be aware of the edges of the area presented for the combat, and it is recommended that they wear eye protection, and ensure they stay clear of the combatants, as they will not be able to see.
Being struck unawares tends to increase the feeling of a blow, so individuals will have to ensure that they try and strike their opponent with only the amount required that the blow can be acknowledged. Historical weapons tend to be a little stiffer than sporting ones, so some care should be taken in the initial parts of training and bouting that the combatants are all aware of the different situation. This is the prime area where injury can occur.
Teaching
The above has described the method how to fence using a method of fencing for the blind, it does not describe techniques for teaching a person who is visually impaired or blind to fence. This is a more challenging, and exciting prospect. It requires the teacher to think about teaching in a different way.
The teacher cannot simply show the student the action by demonstrating it and have them copy the action. They must describe the action and then if they must "show" the student the action they must physically show the student the action. This requires a relationship of trust between the student and the teacher.
Of all the things the teacher must do, the teacher must be polite. Always ask before doing anything. Ask before touching or moving the student, but this should be a standard thing. It doesn't matter if it is your first lesson with the student or the fiftieth, always ask. Tell the student what you're going to do. Tell them when you arrive, and when you leave. For safety, it is important you tell them when you have your mask on and when you take it off. The most important thing about teaching this student, as with any other, is communication.
Possibilities
The possibilities with including fencing for the blind in a training program are more than one might expect, especially if you examine this from a broader perspective. Every new enterprise or idea should be examined from the broadest perspective to see the greatest gain that can be sought from the idea, rather than some narrow view. Sure, a program of fencing for the blind could encourage some blind or low-vision individuals to join and participate, however there is more...
Think about the possibilities of a fencer who has their vision participating in a program of fencing for the blind, or even simply bouting with a blind individual with a level playing field, both with no vision. Both fencers are reliant on their sense of touch and hearing to find their opponent and successfully engage to see the encounter through. "Your eyes can deceive you, don't let them." Obi-wan said in "Star Wars" here is a perfect example to see what your sense of feeling can do.
Many fencers tout their ability to feel their opponent through the use of senso di ferro, or whatever similar term they use. Deprived of their sight, the fencer must use this sense to both find their opponent and defeat them. Think of how it can improve a fencer's sense of feeling and remind them of the importance of holding their weapon properly. This method will be a great asset to any training program.
Further having a fencing for the blind program within the organisation in which you participate, begins to create the inclusive clubs and groups that people have claimed that they are. Only when everyone is included is inclusivity present. The Oxford English Dictionary defines inclusivity as:
noun, "The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or intellectual disabilities or belonging to other minority groups." (https://www.lexico.com/definition/inclusivity)
Providing a program of fencing for the blind is a step toward this idea of inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who is interested in fencing, regardless of their situation, has the chance to try it out to see whether they are physically able to fence or not. The opportunity is provided, a person merely has to avail themselves of it.
Just a Beginning...
This is a mere beginning, an introduction to the concept of fencing for the blind, there is a information about fencing for the blind present, there is just not very much of it. You will need to search to find more. I will present some of the information that I have used in my research of this subject below.
Do your research. Talk with others about their experiences. You never know you may find that others that you have talked to, are visually impaired and wanted to fence, or have taught people who are visually impaired. There can only be an advantage to people sharing their information about this subject and opening our activity to more, interesting people, who we can learn from.
Cheers,
Henry.
