Significant development occurred under Professor George Parker, a member of H.M. 12th Regiment, who promoted fencing through exhibitions, competitions, and teaching across New South Wales and Tasmania from the 1850s onward. Parker claimed the New South Wales championship by defeating challengers (interesting as there was no formal sporting body at that time).

By 1861 Parker had a flourishing fencing club at the School of Arts in Pitt Street, Sydney, where he taught various sword styles (broadsword, small sword, bayonet and foil are mentioned among Parker’s disciplines). In July of that year Parker resigned from his Regiment and moved to New Zealand, where he appears to have remained for three years. From thereon he returned to Australia, moving around the Australian colonies as a professional fencing instructor until retirement in 1896.

Notably, Professor Parker’s pioneering efforts underscore fencing's esteemed status, attracting prominent figures to his demonstrations.