Ideas: Fencing for U8 non-fencers

[jBirch]

Hey All,

My club has been asked to participate in a community sports festival and we're going to put on an open epee mini-tournament. This should cover the demo aspect and get some buzz about our sport.

One of the major requirements that we're struggling with is that we have something for the kids (U8 and down to probably about 4 years old). One of the ideas we have is to for colouring pictures of fencers (which are hard to find). Another idea one of our members came up with is chocolate gold coins for kids that can pop a balloon with an epee thrust/lunge.

Any other ideas? Anybody else ever done anything like this before?

Thanks for any help.

James.

[KD5MDK]

I'd worry about the kids being able to hold a weapon at that age. So I'd use youth (short) foils, for U8 stuff.

[fencerontheline]

Not even youth foils... foam sabers...

[oiuyt]

Not even youth foils... foam sabers...

Seconded.

-B

[chefencer]

We do balloon schlager (full gear with sabre and balloon taped to top of mask) for 8+. There's also the LP mini-fence kit with foam foils and plastic masks and that might be more 'epee-like'. We use that for our <8 classes... good luck and bring your patience!

[jBirch]

To clarify, the tourny is for *our* fencers and *not* for the U8 kids. We just need some demo ideas.

James.

[oiuyt]

To clarify, the tourny is for *our* fencers and *not* for the U8 kids. We just need some demo ideas.

I think you had us all fooled by talking about colouring pictures and popping balloons, both of which sound like activities for the U8 participants.

For a demo make it flashy and cool. Lots of movement. Fleche. Flick. Have obvious fun.

For an activity with the kiddies give them foam sabres and let them bop each other/you. Teach them the basics of fencing in a 3-minute lesson and let them play with Wacky-Wackers. Explain the on guard position, advances, retreats, and simplified ROW. Don't worry about form once they're whacking, and make sure it stays fun. Pay attention to correct pairing of partners such that it DOES stay fun.

-B

[Philistine]

{snip}One of the ideas we have is to for colouring pictures of fencers (which are hard to find).
{snip}

I don't know if you've thought of this--but have you tried getting fencing clipart--which is usually black & white line drawings that could be colored?

Here are a couple. The license allows educational, non-commercial use of up to 50 images.

--Philistine

[jBirch]

I think you had us all fooled by talking about colouring pictures and popping balloons, both of which sound like activities for the U8 participants.

That's what I meant. Man, text is an imprecise medium, isn't it?

For a demo make it flashy and cool. Lots of movement. Fleche. Flick. Have obvious fun.

Check. That's the easy part.

For an activity with the kiddies give them foam sabres and let them bop each other/you. Teach them the basics of fencing in a 3-minute lesson and let them play with Wacky-Wackers. Explain the on guard position, advances, retreats, and simplified ROW. Don't worry about form once they're whacking, and make sure it stays fun. Pay attention to correct pairing of partners such that it DOES stay fun.

-B

This is more along the lines of what we're looking for. One of the parents raised the issue of safety gear...should we use any if we're using foam sabres? What else can we do with U8 kiddies?

James.

[jBirch]

I don't know if you've thought of this--but have you tried getting fencing clipart--which is usually black & white line drawings that could be colored?

Here are a couple. The license allows educational, non-commercial use of up to 50 images.

--Philistine

Perfect. Thanks.

James.

[fencerontheline]

That's what I meant. Man, text is an imprecise medium, isn't it?



Check. That's the easy part.



This is more along the lines of what we're looking for. One of the parents raised the issue of safety gear...should we use any if we're using foam sabres? What else can we do with U8 kiddies?

James.

Foam sabers and plastic masks are a good combination for excited lil kids.