Getting ripped 'Odyssey'-style at this L.A. sword-fighting destination

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Set us as preferred While we might look to other eras, or, you know, epochs (hi, Paleo people) for wellness inspiration, none is quite as dramatic and as “Princess Bride”-esque as LA.’s fencing community.At its center is Swordplay LA.

The Burbank-area club is sporty but approachable, leaning into fencing’s cultural impact — and its fantasy — by extending a pointed invitation (see what I did there?) to make friends, be merry and break a sweat.Since the 12th century BC, fencing has been a source of both combat and entertainment.Egyptians in antiquity engaged in sword combat for warfare, but also for competition — Romans utilized swords in gladiator events, rituals and duels.

During the Renaissance, Italians refined fencing into its modern form, and soon fencing schools began popping up all over Europe.Fast forward to the 1800s, when fencing’s popularity was so widespread that it became one of the five original games at the 1896 Olympics, where it continues to be a beloved summer event.And yes, while the Olympics are one point of public familiarity, that’s just one small part of our collective cultural consciousness around the sport.“Everyone has some kind of relationship to fencing,” said Mary Sola Spohn, the owner of Swordplay LA.

“It’s mostly like, my kid saw this movie, or I love this character.It’s the stories around fencing that bring people in.”Spohn cites “Game of Thrones,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Star Wars” and even “The Parent Trap” as some of the more popular cultural inspirations for newbies.

While clearly rooted in some serious history and tradition, according to Spohn, fencing’s representation in media is its most powerful draw.“And ‘Wednesday,’” Spohn adds, of the influx of interest after the Netflix series debuted.“I’m no...