Friday, December 2, 2011

Help with this article!?

I need help with my article for the University Club Newsletter at the start of the coming semester. I'm a little dubious at the closing of the article and would appreciate suggestions. I need to cut about 50 words from it too... somewhere. Also, if anyone can think up of a suitable title I would be grateful!





"Ever since humans could hammer metal into tools, the sword has played a central part in human history. Today fencing has ceased to be a study of self-defence, and instead has changed with the times to become the fun and fast-paced sport of the present.





Fencing is as much a sport for woman as it is for men. It is an activity which is more tactical than physical. It requires flexibility and balance rather than brute force, resulting in elegance, courtesy and quality of the relations between the fencers. You don`t need to be big or strong to fight 鈥?in fact this can work against you 鈥?but you do need fast reflexes, good co-ordination, timing, and a great sense of anticipation. To give you an idea as to how fast fencing is, the moving tip of a sword blade is second only in speed to a bullet in the Olympic Games and the action is so frantic scoring has to be judged by an electronic eye and a high speed camera!





Fencing provides a unique mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. Improved coordination, concentration, endurance and cardiovascular fitness 鈥?these are just a few of the health benefits provided by regular fencing. It is also a solid workout. You can burn up to 450 calories an hour, working the stomach and the lower body muscles in particular.





One of the most common questions asked is; is fencing safe? We are after all training with swords. Well, fencing is very safe. We always wear safety gear and never play around when people without protection are nearby. Our body protection is made out of nylon and Kevlar (the same material used in bullet-proof vests) while our masks are made out of wire steel. Because we are protected so well, and because we take great care to follow the rules of the sport, fencing has one of the lowest rates of injury of any sport.





Today we fence for the same reason that people play basketball or soccer. Fencing is fun, its great exercise, and everyone likes to meet new people. Fencing is as much a mental as it is a physical discipline. A good fencer trains their body and mind to be focused, fast and efficient. Every movement is at once powerful and economical, decisive and unbelievably swift. Fencing is a sport with a beauty and grace all its own, and you'll never have more fun with a sword in your hand.





If you are interested in taking up fencing as a sport or hobby this semester feel free to check out our website at %26lt;website%26gt;, or email us at %26lt;email%26gt; or come along to training at 6 in the main sports hall of the %26lt;place%26gt;."|||Managed to cut it down to 401 words:





"Ever since humans could hammer metal into tools, the sword has played a central part in human history. Today fencing has ceased to be a study of self-defence, and instead has changed with the times to become a fun and fast-paced sport.





Fencing is as much for women as it is for men. It is an activity which is more tactical than physical, favouring flexibility and balance over brute force, focusing on elegance and courtesy between fencers. You don`t need to be big or strong to fight 鈥?which can in fact work against you 鈥?but you do need fast reflexes, good co-ordination, timing, and a great sense of anticipation. To give you an idea of its pace, the moving tip of a sword blade in the Olympic Games is second only in speed to a bullet, with scoring judged by an electronic eye and a high speed camera!





Fencing provides a unique mix of physical, intellectual and emotional stimulation. Improved coordination, concentration, endurance and cardiovascular fitness are just a few of the health benefits provided by regular fencing. It is also a solid workout, burning up to 450 calories an hour, particularly in the stomach and the lower body muscles.





One of the most common questions asked is; is fencing safe? We are, after all, training with swords. Well, fencing is very safe. We always wear safety gear and never play near unprotected people. Our body protection is made out of nylon and Kevlar (the same material used in bullet-proof vests) while our masks are made out of wire steel. Because we are protected so well, and take great care to follow the rules, fencing has one of the lowest rates of injury of any sport.





Today we fence for the same reason that people play basketball or soccer. Fencing is fun, its great exercise, and everyone likes to meet new people. It is as much a mental as it is a physical discipline. A good fencer trains their body and mind to be focused, fast and efficient. Fencing is a beautiful and graceful sport. Every movement is at once powerful and economical, decisive and unbelievably swift.





If you are interested in taking up fencing as a sport or hobby this semester feel free to check out our website at %26lt;website%26gt;, or email us at %26lt;email%26gt; or come along to training at 6 in the main sports hall of the %26lt;place%26gt;."





I took out the bit that said "and you'll never have more fun with a sword in your hand" because I can't think of many other situations (other than illegal ones of course) wherein you'd have a sword in your hand!





Hope that helps!|||Interesting article. Respect your life and burn up to 450 calories an hour.

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