Fencing improves concentration, imagination, perception and motivation. It requires quick analytical thinking and physical prowess, which makes it an ideal sport to teach children self-control and confidence. Fencing competition is done in individual duals, but fencers add up their points for an overall team score. Teams are composed of clubs or schools competing against other clubs for national or international championships. A variety of youth fencing organizations are available locally and nationally.
USA Fencing
USA Fencing is part of Team USA for Olympic athletes. USA fencing has an All Academic Recognition Award Program with three levels. These programs are open to all high school students enrolled in an accredited school. Home-schooled athletes are also eligible. The First Team USA Fencing All-American qualification is to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher. Second Team USA Fencing All-American qualification is to maintain a GPA of 37 to 3.84. Honorable Mention USA Fencing Academic All-American qualificaiton is to maintain a GPA of 3.5 to 3.69. These programs encourage a high level of academic achievement in young athletes along with the training and physical development in Olympic fencing techniques.
Halberstadt Fencer's Club
San Francisco Youth Fencing is part of Halberstadt Fencer's Club founded in 1942. The club offers fencing training for children younger than the age of 14, and juniors, ages 14 to 19. Fencing training includes instruction in all three weapons, epee, foil and sabre. Many of the team members regularly are finalists at local and national championships.
Zeta Fencing
Zeta Fencing Studio is located in Natick, Massachusetts. Zeta Fencing offers a variety of options for youth fencing starting from beginner, intermediate youth, intermediate cadet, intermediate junior, advanced junior, advanced youth and advanced cadet. The advanced programs for youth offer the highest level of competition and training with additional tournament schedules as recommended by the coach. Training focuses on everything from strength training, footwork, drills, tactical fencing and individual lessons, according to Zeta Fencing Studio. There is a charge for the program and membership in the Zeta Fencing Studio and United States Fencing Association is required. Zeta Fencing Studio is under the direction of head coach Zoran Tulum, former coach of Harvard and Stanford University fencing teams.
Seacoast Fencing Club
Seacoast Fencing Club, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, has children's teams, ages 7 to 11 and youth teams, ages 11 to 14. Seacoast fencers have won 27 national championships, and six represented the U.S. in 17 world championships. The youth programs are designed to develop fencing skills and sportsmanship. They meet one to two times weekly for 75-minute sessions. Participation in club and USFA competitions is required. The children's training meets once a week for 50 minutes with a five-minute private session for each child. Children have an option to join youth training on an additional day and are required to participate in club and USFA competitions.
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