Ipswich was host of the British Fencing Championship in 1987.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)

On Guard, Allez, Fret are words that are commonly used in fencing, and in 1987 Ipswich hosted the British Fencing Championship.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)

Competitive fencing is one of the five activities which have been featured in every modern Olympic Games, the other four being athletics, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)

Pictures that were captured on the day show the competitors in action duelling it out for the championship in Ipswich, wearing full fencing gear - a white jacket, body and mask cords - to protect them from the swords.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)

Have you ever thought about taking up sword fencing? In Ipswich you can go to the Ipswich Fencing Club, which caters to beginners, intermediate and expert fencers from the ages of 10 and upwards.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)

The club is one of the oldest in Suffolk and has been running for over 30 years. During this time it has organised and hosted a wide variety of competitions at both local and national level.

Ipswich Star: Let's start this duel: The British Fencing ChampionshipLet's start this duel: The British Fencing Championship (Image: Archant)