SherryTX Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 My 2nd oldest daughter (11 yrs old) took a couple of fencing classes in 2007/2008 and absolutely loved them! Things were tricky for a while, and she hasn't been able to go back. She and my 3rd daughter started fencing classes last weekend, and are having a great time! The 3rd daughter (9 yrs old) - I was really nervous about her taking it. She has some motor control issues (she is an "Aspie") and I was worried the foot work and holding the foil would be too much for her. One thing I forgot about was the clothing and gear aspect. Yesterday the kids put on the jackets and masks for the first time. She has a very strong textile issue - she cannot wear jeans, and other clothing that feels weird. Also, the mask can feel very awkward until you were used to it. I didn't think about that part until yesterday when they were putting the gear on. Fortunately, after about 15 minutes of working with one of the instructors, she found a jacket and mask that fit and didn't have any real issues. Yesterday was also the first opportunity the kids in the class had to fence against each other. My 9 yr old and her partner REALLY went at it! I was surprised how quickly she has taken to it! The older one is really enjoying it as well, and we have decided after this class, they can continue into the next class, and then as long as we can afford it. My 7 year old daughter wants to take the class as soon as she is old enough (you have to be at least 8). I was wondering if anyone else here has taken fencing, or have had their kids take fencing? It really is a neat sport, and very, very safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Ds19 took foil fencing for about a year, then switched to historical swords for 2 years. He has mixed modality but found the footwork wasn't too hard. I think it's a great sport, and there are actually plenty of fencing scholarships out there (college). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 ds (almost 11) started fencing last Sep. He loves it! I have to admit it looks really fun - I've been kind of itching to try but I don't really have time on my sched to fit it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runamuk Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 My 9yo daughter wants to take fencing. Once she's able to swim, we'll swap swimming lessons for fencing lessons. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntPol Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I was on the fencing team in college. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I was wondering if anyone else here has taken fencing, or have had their kids take fencing? I've always been interested in fencing and hoped one of my boys would show an interest in it. My 9 year old finished his first session last week. He enjoyed it very much and wants to move on to the next class; just now he's doing spring soccer, though, and I don't want to have both going on at once. The instructor is excellent; I was totally impressed at much ground he covered in just the first few weeks of the course. I'd like to learn to fence but the classes are a bit pricey and I'm way busy as it is. If I ever do it, I'll have to get my own mask, though. Something about putting on a mask that others have been using kinda grosses me out.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I was on the fencing team in college. What age were you when you first started fencing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I was on the fencing team in college. Someone once advised me to get my boys into fencing because many of the top schools have a fencing program and not many people fence anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 FYI, Sherry, if you can get a hold of the BJUP 5th grade reader, lessons 104-106 are about fencing. Your daughter might enjoy reading these lessons. Lesson 104 is nonfiction; Lesson 105-106 are fiction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Ds will be old enough next fall to take the homeschool fencing classes so he has asked to try them. The homeschool set is run in sessions of 6 weeks each, so he can give it a shot without too much commitment, I am hoping he will enjoy it, it looks like such a neat sport. ETA the homeschool lessons say you have to be 11 to join, I don't know if that is the same for all the clubs in my city or just that one. Off topic of fencing, but he is wanting to do the archery lessons too, could be an interesting year for new sports once he hits 11. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I love fencing. I feel so energized after a class. :D I have my own jacket, mask, and foil. I haven't found a fencing class close to me since I've moved to Texas :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 FYI, Sherry, if you can get a hold of the BJUP 5th grade reader, lessons 104-106 are about fencing. Your daughter might enjoy reading these lessons. Lesson 104 is nonfiction; Lesson 105-106 are fiction. Thanks - what does BJUP mean? Sorry - I don't recognize that acronym. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindyg Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 BJUP - Bob Jones University Press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 I love fencing. I feel so energized after a class. :D I have my own jacket, mask, and foil. I haven't found a fencing class close to me since I've moved to Texas :-( We take them through the rec department up here in Plano. There seem to be a lot of fencing clubs in TX! I haven't fully investigated the costs to join, but if the kids want to continue after this year, I think it would be worth it if we can swing it. I want to take it myself. We shall see..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutor Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 My dd10 is interested in fencing, and I'll be headed over to the fencing club next Saturday to get her signed up. She is really looking forward to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 BJUP - Bob Jones University Press. Thanks! I cannot believe I couldn't figure that one out haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 We take them through the rec department up here in Plano. There seem to be a lot of fencing clubs in TX! I haven't fully investigated the costs to join, but if the kids want to continue after this year, I think it would be worth it if we can swing it. I want to take it myself. We shall see..... I haven't yet found any in the Austin area. There was a class at UT, but I don't want to go that far if I can help it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I think fencing is awesome! I am not sure if this will be available when we move but I would love to find classes for ds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterbabs Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 We were learning historical fencing (actual sword fighting, not with foils) for a while. My eldest especially enjoyed it. Due to time and health constraints (both ours and our instructors) we've let those lessons fall by the wayside, but we're hoping to start up again soon. It's great fun, and good exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brehon Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 I haven't yet found any in the Austin area. There was a class at UT, but I don't want to go that far if I can help it. Ellie, As of a couple of years ago there were fencing classes of all levels at the Brushy Creek MUD Rec Center in RR. I was on the fencing team at university and LOVED it! I'm hoping to convice my dd(almost 6) to try it when she's a little bigger/stronger. She's a natural athlete and think it'd be perfect for her. Unfortunately, my work schedule really doesn't allow me to sign up for any type of classes or I'd still be fencing. Anyway, the Brushy Creek MUD Rec Center might be a place to start. HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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