Fencing has established a post in the South Cariboo. The martial art of fencing, that is.

Glen Burrill, who runs the Scout Island Fencing Club in Williams Lake and another one in Likely, has started a satellite club at 108 Mile. Proven interest from here in the south and requests from 100 Milers who had been travelling to the lake town weekly for lessons prompted Burrill to spread his wings.

He teaches Wednesday nights, from 5:50-7:30 p.m. in the 108 Mile gym, and, so far, he’s attracted the attention of about 15 fencers ranging in age from eight to adult.

He said that fencing is a game that can be enjoyed throughout one’s life, especially appealing to those who enjoy individual sports.

“People say that fencing is like playing chess and soccer at the same time,” said Burrill. “It’s a thinking athlete’s game with lots of quick, deft movements.”

Fencing caught Burrill’s interest at a very young age and he adopted it as his own while a teen, growing up in Williams Lake.

“By coincidence, there was a small group of people who wanted to get a club started at that time,” he said.

After studying locally, Burrill went on to learn from a Russian and a Canadian master, as well as from a respected Hungarian and a Chinese coach. He worked hard at his sport and it rewarded him with an opportunity to compete at the 2003 World Cup in Vancouver and another tournament in Kelowna that same year where he won the foil event.

Now he’s anxious to share his love of the sport with people in the South Cariboo and is willing to take them from the ground level, up.

Fencing requires some specialized equipment and Burrill said he has a limited amount of gear to lend out at each session. Several keeners have invested in their own already.

The club will meet next on Oct. 8 and then take a five week break before resuming again on Nov. 19.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the fencing club can contact Glen Burrill at 250-398-6315. The first lesson is free of charge.