Get fit with fencing
ALMOST all high-grade fencers are doctors, engineers, architects or some other professional,” states Bruno Gaby, the fencing coach at Nilai University (Nilai U).
He makes this point to underline the strong link between fencing and higher education, citing that many national fencers come from institutions of higher education.
“This is because it is a sport that requires strong mental attributes to go along with the physical requirements. Everything happens very quickly and fencers need to be alert, focused and disciplined to compete at the highest levels,” he expounds.
Nilai U has been named a centre of excellence for fencing under the purview of the Ministry of Education (Pusat Sukan Tumpuan – Fencing).
Under this programme, Nilai U has set up a training centre with all the necessary facilities to allow students to take up this relatively expensive sport at minimal cost.
Currently, there are three national fencers pursuing higher qualifications on scholarships: Adam Nicholas Lindbichler (Foundation in Science), Andrew Mok VernHan (Bachelor in Business Administration) and Joshua Koh I Jie (Diploma in Agricultural Management).
Having such facilities on campus has allowed them to prepare while continuing their higher studies.
Gaby firmly believes the future of fencing is in Asia and points to the achievements of South Korea and China as proof.
He says fencing has many benefits apart from physical exercise.
“Training requires focus and discipline, even as a leisure sport. These values will only benefit students when they transfer such qualities to their studies,” he says.
He also notes that the sport imbues participants with a strong sense of confidence.
“The introductory beginners’ pro- gramme was launched in February,” Gaby adds.
Aside from fencing, students can also sign up for Mizuno Golf School’s Introduction to Golf, Dale Carnegie’s Skills for Success and Outward Bound’s Survival Skills.
For details, log on to
or search for “Nilai U” on Facebook. To speak to a counsellor, call 06-850 2308 or 07-226 2336.
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