New fencing club in Green Bay

GREEN BAY - If you'd like to try out the unique sport of fencing, you don't have to go too far.

It's been an Olympic sport since the beginning of the modern games, and now Green Bay is joining other area cities with its own public fencing club.

Coaches say thanks to the Olympics, fencing interest continues to grow.

It's a sport that takes a lot of practice and patience.

Some say it dates back as far as 1200 B.C, and area fencing enthusiasts hope to boost that historic interest here in Green Bay at the Calvary Lutheran Church.

"My wife and I have been teaching fencing at Notre Dame Academy for the last 12 years. We always get requests to teach other people in the community," explained Coach Steven Stary. "Years and years have gone by and finally we just said, okay, we have the time, let's look into doing it and so here we are."

According the United States Fencing Association, there are 14 clubs here in Wisconsin.

This will make number 15.

But even before putting on the equipment, Stary says you have to start with the basics, like footwork.

Those wanting to take part in the week-long class learned that Monday night.

First timer Conor Kunze of Kewaunee jumped at the opportunity.

"I saw that it was on the Olympics and just thought I’d try it out and see what happens," Kunze said. "All my family has been involved in a sporting activity at one time and I was the only one who wasn't."

And Stary says that tends to be the case, especially for younger fencers.

"It seems to come and go every four years with the Olympics, there's a big spike in interest," Stary said.

Once this class is done, Stary will offer a six-week, one night a week course next month.

Anyone twelve and up can join.

For more information, you can e-mail Stary at FenceGB@gmail.com.