En garde! Fencing helps young Senegalese play by the rules

The fencing lessons, which take place near a prison, have led to a decrease in reoffending among participants. Some of the young fencers are living in care homes, while others are in detention. All photographs by Sam Bradpiece Photograph: Sam Bradpiece

With knees bent and his sword angled upwards, 14-year-old Souleymane Ndiaye* lunges towards his opponent. A dozen other young Senegalese boys – who have been in prison or care homes – scuttle back and forth along several playing strips (known as pistes), thrusting and parrying. Metallic clinks resonate around the fencing room on the edge of the city of Thiès, 40 miles east of the capital, Dakar.

“The physical sensation gives me a release,” says Ndiaye, removing his mesh mask and wiping the sweat from his face. “But the most important thing is that fencing has taught me how to respect others – my opponents and the coaches.”