Fencing is gradually gaining in popularity in Chongchuan district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

"During weekdays, we have many kids coming for classes, while on weekends, especially Saturdays, we see more adults. Our schedules are often fully booked for the entire day, and the frequency of coaching sessions has increased as of late," said Zhu Chenwei, a fencing coach at the Absolute Fencing Hall on Chengshan Road in Chongchuan.

"About a decade ago, the fencing club model in Nantong started to emerge, but it's only in the past two years that it has begun to enter the public eye," said Zhu.

Since last year, Absolute Fencing has been conducting fencing outreach programs in various primary and secondary schools in Chongchuan, offering free training sessions and forming fencing teams at the schools. Currently, the fencing teams established by Absolute Fencing are making a mark in competitions in various locations.

In April this year, the Nantong Fencing Sports Association organized a competition where 14 representative teams from the city and over 180 young fencers competed. In addition to club-trained athletes, participants also included students from schools in Qidong and Hai'an.

"We hope to see more children in Nantong get involved in fencing, so that there's more fencing talent in competitive sports in the city," said Zhou Yuejun, vice-president of the Nantong Fencing Sports Association. "More and more people are becoming exposed to and taking a liking to the sport," he added.

Children receive fencing training at a club in Chongchuan. [Photo/Nantong Daily]