Swordplay is not an unfamiliar word for Chinese. As an ancient form of combat in China's martial arts, it is highly recognized in the nation and gradually acquainted by the world thanks to director Zhang Yimou's kungfu masterpiece "Hero".

But when it comes to fencing, a type of swordplay originated in Europe, many Chinese had to dig deep in their memories to remember the scenes of "Zorro", a 1975 epic starring Alain Delon.

However, it is not that difficult to step on a "piste", the French word for the fencing playing area.

Taking protective clothing, a mask, a sword, an electronic scoring system and ideally some heart-bumping swashbuckling readings, adding some rules, you get fencing.

Such adventures can be easily realized at Beijing Vango International Fencing Sports Center, the newest popular destination for fencing enthusiasts in the capital.

Vango is one of the fencing clubs set up recently in Beijing amid a boom of the sport in the country. Thanks to the recent performances of Chinese fencers in international competitions - Tan Xue and Wang Lei won silver medals at women's sabre and men's epee at the 2004 Athens Olympics and Wang crowned at the World Championship last year, more and more ordinary Chinese people have started to appreciate the sport.

"More and more people are taking up the sport," said Liu Xiaonan, one of the coaches at the center. "The situation is quite different with the past when people used to think that it could only be played by professional athletes."

Liu, who spent years in professional training, which saw her reach career high by becoming a top three female fencer in China in 2002, said the "beauty" of the sport lies in a good combination of lazer-like movement and an ice-cool mind.

"You need fast footwork and handwork but most importantly you need a clear mind," she said.

Once familiar with basic movements, learners can move on to advanced skills such as feint, lunge, parry and riposte and display a beautiful bout. You may also get your level graded by attending the level-testing competitions held once a month at the center.

"There is a lot of fun in the bouts and every fight is different," said Liu.

Liu is one of the nine coaches working at the center - three of them are former Chinese national team members.

As well as a solid coaching staff, the center also boosts a good facility, covering 1,200 square meters and featuring six pistes.

The center also holds different competitions for its members and other fencing lovers. The next one is set for the coming weekend when swarms of fencers, professional or amateur, will gather here for the first stage of the Beijing fencing Open.

The Open, organized by Beijing Fencing Federation, includes three stops and one final competition.

As a first-time practitioner, you only need put on your sports clothing and footwear as the center will provide other facilities required. Showing this issue of Beijing Weekend will entitle you to one free lesson at the centre.

Beijing Vango International Fencing Sports Center
Location: No 2 Shengguyuan, north of Anzhenqiao, Chaoyang District
Open: 10am-10pm
Tel: 010-64242520