Legendary fencing trainer Isengard Franke – A life for sport!

Legendary fencing trainer Isengard Franke – A life for sport!

The Hameln Gymnastics Club looks back on a proud history: Founded in 1880 as a “gymnastics club for young merchants”, the club has developed into an important contact point for sports enthusiasts in the region. The fencing department in particular, which was founded in 1925, has achieved numerous successes over the past decades.

The fencing department was founded under the leadership of Arthur Baecher, and after the Second World War Johannes Kaßner took over responsibility until 1958. Isengard Franke took over in 1959 and left a lasting impression on the fencing scene over the years. Her leadership spanned a remarkable 56 years, during which she not only shaped the club but also celebrated many successes. Christoph Hansen won the first German championship title for TC Hameln in 1969.

A life for fencing

Isengard Franke, who died in November last year at the age of 96, was a true legend in German fencing. Her philosophy of calm and individual support has shaped many talents. In total she has produced seven German champions and was awarded the bronze medal at the European Senior Epee Championships in 2001. Her protégés were very successful, especially in Frisian combat, and she still enjoys great reputation today.

The TC Hameln is still a regular address for fencing fans every week. Training sessions for all age groups take place twice a week under the direction of Axel Klages. The fencers can also look forward to national success, as they regularly achieve top placings in Lower Saxony and also compete at German championships. Another highlight in the club's history was the organization of the German team championships in 1980, which took place on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.

A look into the future

Next Saturday, June 24, 2025, the district championships will take place in the West Hall and entry is free. This offers a great opportunity to marvel at the talents of TC Hameln and to support the sport of fencing in the region. With a variety of events and a strong focus on promoting young talent, the TC Hameln fencing department remains an important part of the local sports scene.

As in the past, the fencing department of the gymnastics club is supported by a committed community. Parents like Volker Friedrichs appreciate the work of the club and see a thriving fencing life in the area. After all, there is nothing better than seeing the joy and enthusiasm of young fencers in action!

Further information about the history of fencing and the importance of the sport in Germany can be found on archive websites such as archive.fechten.org.

The TC Hameln remains an integral part of the fencing scene in Lower Saxony, and Franke's work will be remembered for a long time. Es bleibt spannend zu beobachten, welche Talente in der Zukunft aus diesem traditionsreichen Verein hervorgehen werden.

In any case, the young fencers can look forward to an exciting Saturday when the district championships take place!