This centuries-old practice can be a great alternative to contact sports.
If you've seen The Princess Bride or watched a live version of Romeo and Juliet, you've witnessed regimented and well-rehearsed sword fighting executed for the sake of the dramatic arts.
While those are performances made for entertainment value, the Olympic sport of fencing is not just attractive to watch, it also benefits young athletes physically and mentally. With sports like football, volleyball, and basketball needing players blessed in the height and strength department, it seems that choices are limited for many other kids. However, for children who are adept at analysis and repetition and who also have dialed-in focus, parents ought to consider the latest “it-sport” of fencing as both a physical activity and social tool. Fencing has earned the moniker "chess with swords" as participants must think two to three steps ahead of each movement.
Fencing is more than taking part in moves similar to those found in Zorro or Star Wars. Much like martial arts, it requires brainpower, discipline, and foresight in order to be successful when sparring. Young fencers learn respect from the very beginning -- especially for their opponents -- and learn how to win and lose graciously.
Kids that possess certain attention disorders or learning disabilities benefit highly from the sport of fencing. The regimented movements, little communication while sparring, and the light- and sound-based scoring system provides a sensory satisfaction that boosts morale. The one-on-one aspect is stressed in fencing, but so is winning as a team. Uniting in hard work and determination bonds teammates unlike any other sport. As they age, their self- and situational-awareness will far exceed that of their non-fencing peers.
Another standout benefit to this sport is that fencers get noticed by Ivy League universities. Along with high SAT scores and diverse extracurriculars, fencing shows that your son or daughter has been trained in focus and time-sensitive decision making. If your child is a nationally-ranked high school fencer, top national universities will compete for their talent with preferential admissions and athletic scholarships.
For kids in the Washington, D.C., area who are interested in fencing, there is a new program led by renowned former Ohio State Head Fencing Coach, Vladimir Nazlymov! Having led the Buckeyes to three national championship titles, Coach Nazlymov, a three-time Olympic champion himself, is moving to Bethesda to develop a city-wide youth fencing program. After-school fencing programs will be offered in five area schools: Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day School, Washington International School, Norwood, and Hope.
This summer, the Nazlymov Fencing Foundation has already introduced more than 120 children ages 7-11 to this Olympic sport by hosting summer camps at Sidwell Friends, Washington International, and Norwood Schools. This fall, Sidwell Friends Lower School and Nazlymov Fencing Foundation are partnering up to offer intermediate, competitive, and recreational training to local children.
Want to get your son or daughter involved? Come to one of the following Open Houses at Sidwell Friends Lower School Gymnasium, 5100 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814, listed below:
There are three nights available: Tuesday, 9/4, Wednesday, 9/5, and Friday 9/7
6–7 p.m. session -- for children ages 7-11
7–8 p.m. session -- for middle/high school age students
8–9 p.m. session -- for beginner adults and veteran fencers
Admission and parking are free.
What do you think? Do you have any experience with the sport of fencing? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
