Fencers learned their thrusts from their parries at a course teaching beginners the basics of the sport.
Robbie Robertshaw, 11, and his sister, Isabelle, 8, of Newark, take part in the class. (120212AM1-9)
Fernwood Sword Club has organised a ten-week course at Grove Leisure Centre, Balderton.
It aims to raise the profile of the sport and participation levels ahead of the London Olympics.
Twelve people attended the first session on Sunday, and others said they would join in future weeks.
Club coach Mr James Deverill said: “We are always keen to promote the sport and even more so given it is an Olympic year.
“We teach the basic attack and defence skills, and the aim of the course is that at the end they should be able to fence competitively at club level.”
The course will be run on a rolling basis.
Anyone interested should contact fern woodswordclub@hotmail.com or visit the website www.fernwoodswordclub.co.uk
