Return of the Sword

[esskreemr]

With movies like "Pirates of the Carribbean", "Troy", "The Last Samurai", and "Lord of the Rings," I see Hollywood returning to the sword as a mainstream action device. In the 80s and 90s the gun was a favorite. With the upcoming Olympics and a really good potential for the U.S. to earn medals, does anyone feel that fencing in America is about to enter a period of enormous growth. Can we capitalize on the current fascination with swords? Will it last?

[Lotan]

If so, then hope remains for western civilization...

[Artisan]

As far as the Olympics go, Americans will have to win gold, and NBC will have to broadcast it...and NBC would have had to expect US to win so they could do their "in depth" background pieces in advance. Chances of all three happening are slim. That said any attention can't hurt. However I expect to see lots of gymnastics, and a little swimming, track and a few other sports thrown in for variety.... and then some more gymnastics.

[Moonitic]

hee hee...oh yeah, "we" can capitalize.

Stage combat, darlings...it's a good thing to know!

Anyway, a good thing to do is offer fencing demonstrations whenever & wherever possible ("Come see real Olympic style fencing!"). Four years ago, I participated in fencing demos at the Renaissance Festival, & it seemed to be rather well received, particularly when patrons got the chance to give it a try themselves.