A NEW martial art that involves sword fighting has arrived in Nottingham.
Sport Sword combatants train at full power and full speed using a safety sword made by American company Century.
The weapons spread the impact of a blow down the sword, taking it away from the person who has been struck.
Gary Henshaw is the first instructor to bring the course to Notts.
He said the new swords allowed sparring "at absolutely full force", adding: "It's a great way of getting people very competitive and very motivated.
"The swords are really safe and they really take away much of the impact – you can absolutely go for someone and the most you get is a dull thwack.
"A lot of students get put off with weapons sparring because there's always that learning curve and you get people better than you, lots of bruises, and it knocks your confidence.
"This is safe, comfortable, and you can really get into it and get competitive."
One of the sport's founders, 4th-dan black belt master Rick Burns, said: "This is brand-new, it's unique.
"It came about when someone mentioned that weapons training was great for kids – teaches them speed, precision, and it's high energy.
"It gives them the opportunity to get stuck in a little bit, in a fun and safe way."
One of the guiding principles of the sport is safety – all combatants wear safety gear and the swords have a coil inside to absorb the impact of a hit.
Master Burns added: "The stress of the whole system is safety-first and it has just gone from strength to strength. After five or six years of hard work, it's gone like wildfire.
"Gary joined us on the first training course for instructors – we've met Gary before, he's a smashing guy, very passionate about what he does, very good at what he does as well, and he's really enthusiastic."
Gary is running an introductory course at Bell's Lane Community Centre, Aspley.
For more information contact Gary on 07866 739 227 or at gmhenshaw@googlemail.com.
