New York, NY (rev January 25, 2023) — Fencing is a sport that knows no season — it’s always fencing season.
Training takes place on fencing strips, or pistes, which are almost always undercover. While there could be outdoor training for cardiovascular work, drills, and footwork, most training takes place where you can “hook up,” or connect to cords that help determine who gets the touch in bouts.
Fencing is an ancient and historical sport that provides modern benefits.
It has been featured in every modern Olympic Games and comes originally from the Middle Ages, but its benefits are thoroughly modern.
Fencing teaches discipline and focus. Facing an opponent in fencing is as much a mental exercise as a physical one. Strategies must be planned, and decisions must be made in a split second, focusing on mental acuity.
Benefits include increased coordination, agility, balance, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. For children, fencing helps develop hand-eye coordination, balance, and quick reflexes. It is often recommended and beneficial for children who may have difficulty with team-based sports, have learning challenges, or have ADHD.
Learning to compete, be a team member, and respect the sport and its officials are lessons that will last a lifetime and can be used over a lifetime of fencing. In veteran fencing (ages 40 and up), regular competitors are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many colleges and universities have fencing teams, which means scholarships can be earned.
Competitively, even for fencers as young as Youth-10, the season starts in August and ends with Summer Nationals in July.
Tim Morehouse Fencing Club Summer Camps are designed for beginners and those with experience at all levels. The day is programmed so that even the youngest fencers learn fencing fundamentals, gain fitness through games and drills, and above all, have fun while learning.
For beginning and elite fencers, Tim Morehouse Fencing offers a wide array of daily training sessions at its Manhattan, Port Chester and Connecticut clubs in all three weapons — saber, foil and épée. Exercises, drills, and bouting are tailored to those training and competing at all levels. For more information, CLICK HERE.
