About Fencing
The Olympic sport of fencing has its roots in traditional sword fighting. The 3 weapons used in the modern sport of fencing are foil, epee and sabre. Each weapon has its own characteristics, rules and target areas developed from their combat origins.
The sport is highly athletic, requiring technique, tactics, balance, co-ordination, speed and timing to succeed at the highest level. Fencers will typically reach their competitive peak in their mid to late 20s after years of dedicated training and competition.
Electronic scoring was introduced in the 1950’s, significant safety advances were made in the 1980’s and within the last couple of years development of plastic swords and masks has allowed fencing to attract an even younger audience.
We believe that introducing children early to the sport, its culture, skills and methods, will also greatly increase their chance of competitive success later in life and encourages them to stay involved in the sport for life, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Also fencing is great fun!
Why Fencing?
Teaching children to fence can:
- channel their physicality into sport
- promote confidence, self discipline, self assurance and responsibility
- help them learn good sportsmanship
- provide a fun way to stay or get fit
- appeal to their sense of play
- develop co-ordination, speed, agility and strength
- provide positive interaction with other children and adults
- help them learn to compete individually as well as for a team
Teaching children to fence also has mental health benefits:
- can help relieve stress and be a great way to let off steam and frustration
- help develop powers of observation and understanding of strategy
- help develop judgement and deduction to anticipate their opponent’s actions
- help develop problem solving skills
These skills can help children excel in all areas of their life.
We believe that fencing offers a range of skills, both physical and mental, that is unique in sport.