Rhik Samadder tries … fencing: ‘Now I’m ready for the zombie apocalypse’

I get to wear a natty white jacket, insectoid mask and hold an epee like a pistol - my inner child could not be happier. En garde!

Ever since childhood, I have wanted to be trained in the sword. But I have always believed one had to be born a musketeer for this to happen, or have a death to avenge, plus access to castle steps. But here I am at the London Fencing Club in Old Street, which is easier.

It's a few weeks before omicron takes off, and the government is pooh-poohing any talk of tightening Covid restrictions. I'm learning epee, the thin, pointy blade that most resembles a classic swashbuckling sword. My Russian-born coach, Anna Anstal, loves fencing epee. The opponent's entire body is a target, and there are no right of way" rules governing who can score at a given moment. You must think about the zombie apocalypse," she says. Rules are no use with a zombie. The ability to strike first is all that matters." It's unexpected advice, her heavy accent giving it even more edge. I'm quite scared.