NIU students who are bored with traditional sports can now try something new with fencing.

The NIU Fencing Club, which meets in the Campus Recreation Center from 9 to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, gives students the opportunity to engage in the sport free of charge.

On Monday and Tuesday, the members are taught the basic rules and regulations of the sport. On Fridays, the students are able to test their skill in competitions, said Dan Bell, senior history major and club president.

“Fencing is physical and psychological,” Bell said.

The club plays matches called bouts at the beginner’s level. There are three levels of fencing.

Foil is the basic level, Epee is the second and Sabre is the third. All levels require different weapons, Bell said.

Bell also said Foil allows for a player to touch an opponent in the chest or the stomach. Epee’s target is the entire body, and Sabre is the waist up and allows for cutting.

“We teach drills, concepts and how to perform maneuvers,” Bell said.

When the tip of the sword is pressed against an opponent’s body, a point is scored, said Bell. A bout is played up to 15 points, and can last for a couple of minutes.

Throughout the first semester, members experience the teaching, learning and preparation aspects of the sport. In the second semester, tournaments begin.

A beginner’s tournament allows members to compete against each other, Bell said.

In the spring, there is an invitational to compete with other schools such as Augustana and Northwestern.

Chuck Richie, a sophomore meteorology major and club member, participated in a beginner’s tournament last year.

“There were 20 people there, so we split up in pool bouts,” Richie said. “We then went into each individual pool and it was played up to the first five points. After that, they took the results to determine the tournament, then it went to elimination.”

Bell encourages new members to experience fencing.

“Just come out and expect to have a lot of fun,” said Bell. “It’s very relaxing for all the physical work that is done, and there really is something for everyone.”