The first fencing lesson

Text: an original contemporary review-style practice extract.

The beginners’ fencing session started with a careful demonstration of how to hold the foil and move across the practice floor. We took turns trying short advances and retreats, while the instructor offered brief corrections. The protective jacket felt heavier than I expected, but it did not stop me concentrating.

What stayed with me most was the way we changed partners after each short bout. Every new opponent moved differently, so I had to pay attention instead of repeating the same response. By the end, I was tired but keen to try another round.

Identify the feature of the session that made the strongest impression on the writer.