Teen Sports Draw From Legend of Zorro
Sport Fencing Attracts Swordfighting Crowd to Fencing Clubs
Dec 18, 2008
The sport of fencing is enjoying a flood of new members in clubs across the United States and Canada particularly for teens seeking a fitness alternative to traditional sports. Along the way, those who try the sport quickly understand that fencing is quick, athletic and intense.
In fact, the popularity of fencing today draws on the sport's centuries-old past. It involves competitions using three types of weapons: Foil, the lightest; Epee, the heaviest blade; and Sabre, a light cutting and thrusting sword. Fencers wear a mesh visor mask, glove on the armed hand and chest guard.
Fencing competitors win a "bout" by scoring points against their opponent, or by having a higher score than their opponent when the time limit expires. Points are earned every time a fencer lands a valid hit - called a touch - on their opponent.
Sport Fencing as a Contributor to Teen Sports
For Katie Porter, 16, a rising Sabreuse (or female sabre fencer) from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, her interested in fencing was sparked by her Mom. Katie took some time from her busy schedule as a fencer with the Cutting Edge Fencing Club to answer some emailed questions.
"My mom read an article in the newspaper and started fencing. When I saw what she was doing, I thought it was so cool and asked if I could start too, then it just took off from there. I started when I was 10," wrote Katie.
Katie never looked back. Her biggest achievements to date include a gold medal at a Newmarket, Ontario Open Competition, the 2008 Ontario Winter Games, where she earned a gold, silver and two bronze, the Canadian Fencing Championships in Montreal, Quebec where she ranked seventh in Cadet class and eighth in the Junior class and competing in the Junior World Cup in October 2008.
This success is only the beginning and Katie has set high goals for herself as she works to keep her rankings high to improve her odds of being selected for larger tournaments. One day, she hopes to compete in the Olympics and other world competitions.
Katie finds the mental effort involved in fencing most rewarding.
"The most challenging part of the sport for me is the psychological aspect of it. It takes much focus and concentration in a tournament and any distraction or loss of focus can result in poor fencing."
Legend of Zorro Sparks Interest in Swordfighting
The individual nature of the sport of fencing also plays a role in attracting young people. Mika'il Sankofa, the head sabre coach at the Fencers Club in New York City and three-time Olympian, answered email questions and noted that pop culture ignites the interest however, the experience of the sport keeps teens involved.
"Initially it's the fantasy of being a knight or Zorro. All kids identify with these characters. But once they truly get exposed to the sport, I would have to say that it is the fast-paced actions with shiny weapons and the quick thinking that's involved. It also tends to attract individuals versus team type personalities. If you win you get all the glory, if you loose you can only blame yourself," he wrote.
One of the most comment myths about fencing is that it is a sport only for the wealthy. However, when compared to ice skating, tennis or golf, fencing is a very affordable sport.
The accessible and diverse nature of fencing also draws a wide range of young people.
"That's one of the best things about fencing. Anyone can fence anyone. There are no weight classes or height classes," writes Mika'il.
He attributes the rising popularity of fencing in the United States to the U.S. Fencing Team's performance at the Beijing Olympics, when the team brought home a record six medals, as well as the opportunities presented by the sport.
"It's a wonderful sport that will challenge you mentally and physically. If you become good enough there are opportunities for scholarships at major universities in the U.S. and also unique opportunities to travel around the world for competitions."
Fencing Club Promotes Fun, Swordsmanship
Fencers such as Katie Porter are good models for sportsmanship and self-discipline. Katie believes that young people should not lose perspective when competing.
"My advice to younger people considering fencing is to always have fun with it. Even if they are starting to compete when it stops being fun, why do it? But it is important to be psychologically and physically prepared for competition - always," writes Katie.
"I remember when I first started to compete and at my first year or two of fencing I had this problem where whenever a bout went bad, I would lose focus and had a hard time for the rest of the tournament. It took me a year or two to train myself to regain focus and get back in the zone. It is a huge mental game and it is important to always be ready for any emotion. Physical condition is also hugely important."
For more information and a listing of clubs, or to learn more about a sport that challenges teens mentally and physically while they have fun, visit the United States Fencing Club at fencing.net. Canadian parents should visit the Canadian Fencing Federation at fencing.ca at for more information about clubs and programs.
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