Fit Kids and Fencing

"There's something about it that just calls to you, it feels good", says head coach Nat Goodhartz.

Fencing may not be a mainstream sport in America, but if your child is looking for something both active and mentally challenging.  This may be just the fix!  Iris Zimmerman, owner of the Rochester Fencing Club, says "I think its much more accessible as a sport than anyone thinks.  People don't really understand it so they kind of shy away.  But i encourage people to bring their kids in."

Unlike typical team sports, success in this sport is all up to you.  Goodhartz says, " It's very individualistic so you can give somebody a basic vocabulary of material, ways to move, ways to setup attacks, defensive actions and then they just make it their own game."  Zimmerman says, "They like fencing because it involves thought process.  You're out there and thinking on your feet.  They call it physical chess for a reason."

It's a lot more than fancy footwork and swinging a sword around.  Fencer Dylis Lewis says, "It can boost your leg muscles because there's a lot of leg movements, so sometimes you need strong legs to overcome the pain."  Goodhartz says, "There's a lot of very forceful footwork and the playing field is fairly small.  It's a fast game."

Rochester fencing Club also has quite the international reputation. "This club has particularly put out a number of Olympians and members of world championship teams," Goodhartz says.

Fence Gigi Kelly says she wants to go to the Olympics someday and says it will take a lot of work to get there.  When asked what the easiest part of fencing is, Lewis says he doesn't think there is an easy part.

Kids as young as 6 years old can join, and classes run all year.  Click here for more information.