AGENDA . Just Do It

Sabre Khan

Get on the fence at this foil-thrusting tourney.


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Published: May 13, 2009

It's been years since people settled disputes with a sword fight and a glove slap to the face.

At this weekend's Sabre Khan, however, fencers will do just that, without a preceding verbal argument. Hosted by the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, the sword fighting differs slightly from old-fashioned duels — players use modified swords and protective jackets to keep safe, and they likely won't leave with any hard-to-get-out bloodstains.

Still, it can be dangerous. Unlike the other two weapons used in fencing — the foil and the epee — the sabre has a sharp edge and can cut and stab. As Mark Masters, president of the Fencing Academy, explains, the foil and epee swords are merely thrusting weapons because only their tips are sharp.

Coach Ahrn La Londe expects about 50 fencers to arrive from Philly and surrounding states. Competitors are divided into age brackets, but women and men fight together.

Masters believes the two genders can face off in fencing because of its unique nature. "It isn't a game that's won by the guy who's fastest or strongest," he says. "It's won by the guy who's smartest." And sometimes, that guy is Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Sun., May 17, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., free; 6:30-8:30 p.m. finals, $5; Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, 3519 Lancaster Ave., 215-382-0293, fap-fencing.com.