Benefits of Fencing

[Fencergrl]

As some of you may know, I have a short presentation/ demonstration to do tonight. I've been invited to discuss and show the sport of fencing to about 30 PE teachers. I got asked yesterday, so I'm scrambling to put something together on short notice.

As part of my presentation, I want to discuss the benefits of introducing fencing to PE classes. Most of the classes are grades 11/12 (mixed) or all grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 (girls only). Occasionally the classes are younger.

If anyone has any input, links, sources for studies etc... it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[RITFencing]

Benefits of fencing:

Just like any sport, increased self confidence, discipline, fitness and physical ability, as well and an opportunity to socialize.

Anyone can succeed in fencing if they are willing to put the work in. Unlike basketball or football, there is no requisite body type, and it is based more in skill than athletic ability.

If all rules are followed and all safety gear used, it is an extremely safe sport, especially for a combat sport.

It is a sport you can do for your entire life: fencers have competed in US nationals as young as 8 and over 90. This gives people not only a way to stay in shape for their whole lives but a way to make lifelong friendships through the sport.

Fencing engages the mind as well as the body and forces participants to develop high levels of concentration and tactical thinking.

You might also want to check on the CFF and USFA websites, I'm sure they have oodles of reasons why fencing is great listed on there.

[Mr Epee]

I would highlight the development of complex coordination and a tremendous opportunity for personal expression and creative outlet.

One of the top benefits I see in kids that I have taught is that it's an activity that often captures the attention of kids who are not involved with other physical activity.

Folks often go astray with the details of the sport. Your core product is improved fitness, improved confidence, and a more defined self.

Your going to show them an activity that will keep everyone entertained.

Also, from an individual instructors approach, if they adopt fencing into their curriculum they will be offering an activity that others are not. This plays a role in their establishment of competitive advantage over other schools, and over other people in the same profession. Hope that made sense.

Go get 'em.

[Fencergrl]

Yup... made sense. Thanks for the info from RIT & Mr E. I agree that this sport often captures the kids who are not already involved in other activities. Many of the teachers are trying to promote a lifetime of activity for their kids. They do this by exposing them to different sports. Fencing certainly fits that bill, as it is one of the few sports you can compete in throughout your lifetime. This is largely the angle I'm going to take.

This is not just a presentation for me, but a bit of a sales job. I do simple little 3-day introductory to fencing workshops. I provide all the equipment and leave a listing of local clubs with the PE department. Usually every class I get 1-5 kids interested in joining a fencing club.

My goal isn't to get full fencing programs into the schools. I'm neither qualified or interested in doing that. I'm just looking to spark some interest amongst the students. So first I have to get some more PE teachers interested in offering this to their students.

As these are PE teachers and I'm in a gym, I'm going to keep the talking to a minimum and sell it mostly by having them do it. First they'll learn basic footwork, then a few strategy games, a small amount of bladework, some safety. Lastly, they will put it all together and dry fence. I'll have one scoring machine set-up and have a couple teachers fence while I direct a bout to 5 at the end of the evening. Since I have 1.5 hours in total, it'll keep things moving.... a real crash course in fencing with very little depth but a lot of fun.

[Mr Epee]

Sounds like you've got a solid handle on things.

Have you tried this approach?

"Hey Kids, do you see this man? Women want him. Men want to be him. He is a Canadian Epee fencer. You would like to grow up to be a Canadian Epee fencer, wouldn't you?"

[Fencergrl]

ROFLMAO..... yeah half the class will asking me if that's Keanu Reeves and if he is a fencer.

[DangerMouse]

It may also be worth emphasising that this is one sport where brains can win out over athleticism and there is a synergy between mind and body.

On a side note, I think Keanu there whooped me in Vancouver a few years ago. I later saw him in a wine house in Budapest...

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

It may also be worth emphasising that this is one sport where brains can win out over athleticism and there is a synergy between mind and body.

Good point.... but then again, you're an epeeist,

On a side note, I think Keanu there whooped me in Vancouver a few years ago. .

Yeah! And I got it on film, as I recall. It was a good match, I enjoyed it.

I later saw him in a wine house in Budapest..

The boy gets around.... with his movie career and all.

[InFerrumVeritas]

Of course, emphasizing how safe fencing is seems like it would be a high priority. Not for PE teachers, but probably for school board officials.

I think the fact that it is a sport which one does not have to be particularly athletic to participate and do well in, and that it is somthing that one can do for the rest of one's life would seem to be annother point to focus on.

I know you allready mentioned the second part, but many PE teachers have pressure on them with the current child obesity thing. Pointing out that it is somthing that could appeal to these individuals, or to people that are not physicaly active, because of the mental aspect will probably help to sell it the most.

[Fencergrl]

My presentation is being rescheduled due to the weather. So I have a bit more time to think and research this. Keep your comments coming!

[jBirch]

Hey Grl,

There's this story:

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/s...obeSports/home

and, of course, talking about Juje Luan, who is a fencing instructor in Edmonton, a mother of some children (can't remember how many, but I'm sure I'll get the number wrong), former Olympic Gold Medalist for the PRC, representing Canada in Beijing as a competitor in foil and over 40 years old.

Finally, there's the operant conditioning nature of fencing. You play a sport and a light goes off. It's the closest thing we've got to a physical video game.

James.

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!


You should focus on what fencing can offer, but other available sports can not.

Partial list of possible focus points:
1. weather-insensitive
2. Mixed training easy to do
3. Can be done by all ages
4. 3 versions, each personality can find something that suits him (provided that he is smart enough)
5. Complete set of clothing considerably cheaper than that of Ice hockey
6. Compact sport - high sportsman/square meter ratio
7. Moving cost for one training session reasonably low, compare to a round of golf!


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[jfarmer]

You might look at this video that was on NBC's "Making a Difference" segment at few weeks ago.
http://http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/2...54650#22954650

It helps empathize that fencing can be for everybody. A number quality fencers started for physical therapy (I know one highly rated epeeist who started fencing as PT for MS...)

Wheelchair fencing... There are a number of things like that you can mention..

Size. I always talk about accomplished fencers come in different heights and strength levels (eg, the shorter teenage girls in my classes love to hear about someone like Becca Ward can be a world champion at 16...)

[Downtown]

Also……

Stress relief

I hear it helps you stay mentally sharp as you age, though I may not be the best argument for that theory.

It can lead students to a study of metallurgy; history; mechanics (armory skills).

[InFerrumVeritas]

Originally Posted by PeterGustafsson

4. 3 versions, each personality can find something that suits him (provided that he is smart enough)

No, there's sabre for those who aren't.

(I jest, of course.)