History of RTNA fencing.

In Thailand, fencing was a sport for cadets. Thai people did not know enough, until the “Amateur Fencing Association of Thailand” was established in 1965. After that, fencing became well-known and a popular sport in Thailand. About 2 years after fencing came into the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, it was a sample sport in the Cadet Games. After that, fencing became a popular sport for many cadets in all 4 military academies. The RTNA established the fencing club in 1971, it was the beginning point of fencing. Fencing became professional and produced many good players. 1994 was a successful year for the RTNA fencing club because naval cadets were selected for the Thailand squad. 8 years later the RTNA fencing club got smaller because fencing was not promoted in the Cadet Games anymore and few cadets became a member of the club. Now Captain Soonpuen Somphee came and helped the RTNA fencing club so it is better at present.

The types of swords and fencing equipment:

There are 3 kinds of swords

1.Foil. The foil is the sword which is the smallest of the three kinds of swords. It is approximately 35 inches long. Fencers will score if they point and touch the opponent. The target area with a foil is limited: only the trunk, front and back. It doesn’t include the head, arms, neck and legs.

2.Épée. This is similar in length to foil but it is heavier. The fencers will get points only if they point and touch like with the foil. The target area is unlimited: every part of the body

3.Sabre. The sabre is a cutting weapon. The length and weight are similar to the foil. The target area is from the waist up (both front and back).

The fencer’s uniforms are:

1. Mask. The sabre mask is different from foil and épée because it is made of metal; the other masks are made of strong cotton.

2.Metallic jacket for sabre and metallic vest for foil.

3.Jacket and knickerbockers.

4.Long cotton socks.

5.Fencing glove for foil and epee and metallic fencing glove for sabre.

6.Sport shoes (fencing shoes).

Honor Awards of the RTNA fencing club.

The RTNA fencing club decided to send fencers for the RTNA and the Royal Thai Navy to compete in many fencing matches. There are three naval cadets who have been selected fencers for the Royal Thai Navy:

1.NC. Songyos Chalermpanapun (Sabre sword)

2.NC. Narong Pothong (Foil sword)

3.NC. Peerapat Thanomwong (Épée sword)

Now, there are 29 members in the RTNA fencing club ; 3 fourth- year cadets, 8 third-year cadets, 9 second- year cadets and 9 first-year cadets. Everybody in the RTNA fencing club has too little time to practice because we have more activities to do besides fencing, like for example sea training or fleet training. Some of the members will go to practice at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) on Friday and Saturday evenings to get more experience, because the UTCC has two good fencing trainers to train them.

The tournaments every year are:

- Thailand Fencing Championship in May

- Thai Military Championship in June

- Airforce Open in June

- Nanthanit Open in July

- Navy Open fencing Championship in August

- Thammasat Open in September

- Chulalongkorn Open in October

- Thailand Open in November

interview

An interview: Cdr. Surachai Udomsuk; Committee of the Thai Fencing Association

Q : Why did you decide to play fencing ?
A : I played fencing when I was a second year cadet. Cdr.Sompol Srisodsai (Engineering officer of HTMS. Taksin) invited me to the fencing club. I found that fencing used a lot of brainpower and I learned to admire it. I developed my ability until I was selected for the Thailand squad.

Q : What are your successes in fencing ?
A : First of all, I was the winner of a gold medal in the Thailand Open 5 times for foil. Second, I won a gold medal for the foil team 3 times and the last thing for me was to be a member of the Thailand squad.

Q : What was your most impressive match?
A : I think the 18th SEA Games in Chiang Mai. I was the first Thai man who got a bronze medal for men's foil and the silver medal for the foil team.

Q : What is your destination in the future?
A : I wish the Thai people will improve this sport to an international level.

Q : What is the advice that you want to give us?
A : Every sport will be a success through inspiration and determination."

References:
Udomsuk, Cdr. Surachai. Personal interview. 28 October 2007.