En Garde: Vero's First Fencing Club

Fencing has graced the Olympic Games since 1896, unchanged in its essential form—a rare feat of continuity in modern sport. The rules that governed dueling gentlemen in fin-de-siècle Paris still govern athletes today. Now, for the first time, Vero Beach has its own salle.

Robert Lonadier

Robert "Bob" Lonadier opened Vero Beach Fencing Club last fall after a dozen years as a fencing parent, ferrying his daughter to tournaments across New England before deciding to try the sport himself four years ago. "I've seen it a couple hundred times," he reasoned. "I'll try it." The learning curve proved steeper than anticipated—it always does—but he persisted. His daughter now fences for the Air Force Academy at Division I level, the nation's top university program.

That pedigree can matter for college-bound students. Fencing distinguishes applications in an era when résumés blur into indistinguishable masses of AP classes and community service. Nearly every Ivy maintains a program; most Division I schools field teams.

Speaking of college admissions, if you know anyone applying to college, you won't want to miss Inside Admissions at St. Edward's School on Monday, January 26 at 7 p.m., open to all college-bound families in Indian River County.

But fencing's appeal runs deeper than admissions strategy. Often called "3D physical chess," the sport demands thinking several moves ahead while executing precise footwork against a moving opponent—think dueling minus the mortality. It offers excellent exercise well into your seventies and remains remarkably safe despite the swordplay. Etiquette matters, too: salute before the bout, shake hands after, or face disqualification.

Lonadier teaches youth classes at the Intergenerational Recreation Center and offers private lessons at his 14th Avenue club. He's planning exhibitions and hoping to partner with local schools to seed fencing programs.

First classes are free, equipment provided—just bring long pants, sneakers, and a water bottle. The club holds open bouting sessions Thursdays at 7pm.

Vero Beach Fencing Club, 1956 14th Avenue, Vero Beach. Classes also at the Intergenerational Recreation Center.