WHY FENCING? How Will Fencing Benefit My Child?

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 Fencing provides physical and cognitive benefits. Students describe fencing like a physical "game of chess." 

It takes strategy and quick reflexes. Your opponent can make an attack in any number of ways and your defense needs to come in a split second, and in the next split second, you've got to make your attack. Fencers learn good sportsmanship, self-discipline, 

gain quick reflexes and how to compete independently. They gain a sense of accomplishment when winning and learn to profit from their defeats. They learn to make complex decisions, analyze problems, and think fast on their feet. These ideals help children reach their potential in many areas other than fencing.

• They are active and doing something, not being passive receptacles for programming beamed out from the TV.

• Fencing helps children get fit – you can’t “sword fight” without a good bit of movement!

• Educators are discovering that fencing can enhance mathematical performance.

• Fencing helps children learn to pay attention and to develop their decision-making abilities.

• Fencing helps people with ADD and ADHD to focus.

• Because fencing is an individual sport, the fencer is solely responsible for their success or failure, which becomes a great lesson in responsibility.

• At the same time, being a member of a fencing club gives the fencer an opportunity to participate in a group setting, where friendships are made and true sportsmanship is encouraged.

• Finally, many great colleges have fencing teams and are always looking for experienced fencers. While scholarships are few and limited to top-level competitors, having fencing on your college resume provides you with another way for your child to market themselves.

Taken in part from: "A PARENT’S GUIDE TO FENCING 2007 EDITION," Page 3.

 From Columbia University's Website:

"The college applicant who is also a fencer becomes an athletic "recruit." A recruit certainly has many advantages over the non-fencer. There are also, however, certain problems that can become bothersome for the recruit. You, the recruit, should know what to expect from a school to which you are applying and what the coach of that school may and may not do.Good colleges are looking for good students who will contribute to their college. Each year, some straight A students with 1600 SAT's are rejected by colleges (don't worry, they get in someplace) because they have little to offer they simply regurgitate information . . . they have no creative spirit. The fencer is unique. The fencer brings experiences that enrich the college, just as an accomplished poet or violinist do. This is the type of person Admissions Directors like to have represented in their stacks of applications. Being a fencer is a distinct advantage for the college applicant."
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/fencing/Recruit_Article.htm 

*Fencing can enhance mathematical performance.

For more information, email: swordsmen101@yahoo.com (With your inquiry, please include your age, location, and how you found out about our classes.)

If you live in the areas of Winchester, Virginia Purcellville, VA Berryville, VA Lovettsville, VA, Leesburg, VA Frederick, Maryland Brunswick, MD Boonsboro, MD Martinsburg and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, this class is within about a thirty minute drive of your location.