Kids & Parents Page
AGE to START FENCING
Children can begin fencing as early as 4 years old. At this young age, fencing class consists of basic footwork and blade work, exercises to improve hand-eye coordination, games to foster coordination skills, all with our special plastic equipment sets which are much lighter and safer. Once children turn 7, they will be using the metal equipment you see in competitions. All classes conclude with supervised fencing bouts. Children love the opportunity to fence each other and use the skills they learned in class.
The youth program is designed to provide an introduction to one of the most fascinating, exciting, and safest sports.
Fencing develops:
♦ discipline
♦ balance
♦ coordination
♦ quick reflexes
♦ mental acuity
♦ good sportsmanship
Fencing is a physical chess game that challenges your mind and body.
BENEFITS of FENCING
There are many benefits to participating in youth fencing:
♦ Develop good sportsmanship
♦ Instill self-discipline
♦ Acquire healthy competitive spirit
♦ Achieve healthy body
♦ Practice strategic thinking
These benefits from fencing help children reach their potential in many areas other than fencing. Fencing allows children to have fun while they learn these important life skills.
Click here to get information on classes and to get started now.
PARENT'S ROLE
Parents provide support and encouragement. Most importantly, they are positive role models of good sportsmanship and respect--showing respect to coaches, officials, and opponents.
Providing consistency is also very important. Get your child to the club to practice regularly. A consistent training curriculum--private instruction, group instruction, and open bouting-- is necessary to realize the benefits of fencing. Use school holidays to maximize training opportunities at camps and clinics.
Keep in contact with the coaches to assess your child's progress and to determine readiness for competitions then start fencing at local competitions. At competitions don't focus on wins and losses; rather, praise good technique, strategy, and good sportsmanship. Winning will follow naturally. Competitions are great places to meet other fencers and parents. Enjoy the full experience of competitions by taking advantage of all the opportunities for personal and athletic growth.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The fencer should be adequately protected and the uniform should allow freedom of movement to properly perform the necessary skills.
The following is a list of required equipment:
♦ Mask (sewn-in bib, must pass 12K punch test)
♦ Chest Protector (mandatory for women)
♦ Underarm protector
♦ Jacket
♦ Lamé
♦ Knickers
♦ Glove (no holes except for body cord. Must cover approximately half the forearm)
♦ Long socks (white, must reach bottom of your knickers- soccer socks work well)
♦ Fencing shoes or sneakers
♦ Minimum two working weapons (epees must pass weight and shim test)
♦ Minimum two working body cords
♦ Fencing Bag (to carry your equipment)
Contact the office if you have any questions regarding equipment and to find out what we have in stock.
In addition to the fencing equipment, you may wish to have:
♦ Water Bottle and healthy snack
♦ Towel
♦ Tool Kit (screwdrivers, spare screws, springs, Allen wrenches)
♦ For Epee: test box and weight and shims
Make sure your child has the necessary equipment before class and competitions.
Always check weapons to make sure they are working.
National tournaments require official weapons and equipment checks before fencing.
Your child does NOT need to own FIE equipment. FIE equipment is only required for international events.
Put identification on all your equipment!!!
EQUIPMENT CARE
Wash as you would any other whites - do not use chlorine bleach.
Lames may be hung in the shower and spray rinsed and drip dry; some people use blow dryers.
Masks may be washed in dishwashers (make sure to wash by itself).
Washable gloves and socks per normal washing instructions.
For more information on fencing in the United States, please visit the
official United States Fencing website.
