Fencing Program Overview
Honor Before Glory
Fencing and Priorities
We believe in prioritizing safety, family, and school followed by fencing. The fact is that even if your child makes it to the Olympics, he/she will still ultimately seek a career in the workforce.
As we take this journey together, we will support your child, novice to NCAA, in striking a healthy balance between home, school, and sport.
Rest assured our number one priority is safety at all times. We have a COVID 19 plan, plus, every coach is background-checked and safe sport-certified.
More than just fencing
We weave our core values of honesty, humility, integrity, and trust in every moment. Through hard work, overcoming challenges, and raw perseverance, we forge not only great competitive fencers but, equally, great virtuous citizens.
Fencing for ages 6 to 76
WAY is a three weapon club with coaches specializing in foil, sabre, and epee. Not sure which one is right for you? We will help you explore, discover, and decide as you progress in our program. As the saying goes, "The weapon chooses you." Regardless of which sword you eventually draw, they all serve in their own unique WAY as "life lessons" for order, perseverance, self-control, decision making, and personal discipline.
Proud Member of Team USA
Way of the Sword is a sanctioned Team U.S.A Fencing Club that adheres to all USFA policies and procedures. All our coaches are Safe Sport certified. As a sanctioned club WAY is authorized to host official divisional and regional tournaments.
All fencers MUST become members of the USFA within 7 days of joining. This is a critical insurance mandate. Join today for as low as $10 a year and let's start crossing swords!
The WAY to measure success?
WAY is driven by a quest for holistic athlete development, making better people while also making better athletes. These desired athlete outcomes generally fit into four areas by which we measure success when developing an athlete:
1. Competence: sport-specific technical, tactical, and performance skills; improved health and fitness; and healthy training habits. We track point results as a measure of a student's capability of applying technical skills under duress (competition).
2. Confidence: self-belief, resilience, mental toughness, and sense of positive self-worth are the cornerstones of this program.
3. Connection: positive bonds and social relationships with people inside and outside of sport makes WAY a unique inclusive club.
4. Character: respect for the sport, teachers, and parents, ethical and morally responsible behavior at all times.
Fencing fees (what's this going to cost?)
Fencing has long been the "sport of nobility" with the price tag to match but today costs have been driven down as popularity rises. In short, fencing is no more expensive than a traditional "travel" team. You can expect all the same fees such as club dues, group and private lessons, equipment costs, and tournament fees.
COVID 19 Plan
WAY is committed to safety first. To help protect against the spread of COVID 19, we will implement and enforce the following protocols and procedures starting on June 22, 2020. Our plan is based on, and in accordance with, CDC and CT.Gov guidelines. As such, it may be revised periodically in accordance with updated information provided by these sources. Our facility was upgraded and is now using MERV filtration throughout
Schedule and planning
We know balance is critical for student-athletes but, in addition, it has to work for parents logistically. Training and private lessons are available 6 days a week, but group classes are specific to weapon form.
The new WAY calendar is updated weekly and we encourage parents to visit it regularly to keep up with the ever-evolving times.
Specialized Fencing Equipment
When first trying out fencing we will have a clean uniform during any trial classes you might attend. Once registered for the program you have a choice to rent or buy your fencing uniform. Typically, most families start out renting and end up buying once confident that their child is committed to the program.
Way of the sword has nine olympic fencing strips with electronic scoring and "cancelation" grounding capability (it's a big deal once your competing burt let's circle back to that another time). Our sanctioned scoring system is state of the art. We have both wireless and wired systems available.
Parents will be expected to purchase some basic scoring equipment within 2 month of joining the club. Most notably a lame, body and mask cords and electric weapon.
The greater your personal aspirations and goals are, the greater the level of commitment you can expect to make.
WAY recommends adhering to our S.T.A.R. methodology consistently and with fidelity..
Study with a coach 1:1 (private lessons)
Train and practice
Apply and be measured
Repeat the process
We believe in the value of teaching the art and science of fencing through 1 : 1 private instruction and reinforcing those lessons in group environments. As such we require all students to be taking a minimum of two private lessons a month but recommended 4 to 8 for competitive results.
Our curriculum focuses on the fundamentals first, but is progressive and always challenges the student where they are in their training. We teach the theoretical, technical, and tactical skills proven to get results in today's contemporary competitive environment, while making fencing an enjoyable and engaging experience. Through continuous 1 on 1 learning, students master the nuances of the sport, feel supported, and build confidence, which yields greater retention and results.
Book private lessons by contacting us to set up a standing reservation.
Chess anyone?
Fencing is a game of "physical chess." Chess is the ideal board game as it teaches tactics and strategy along with critical thinking and good decision making.
We have a dedicated room with multiple boards available for kids to play before and after fencing classes. Formal instruction and tournament preparation is available as well.
See the link below for dates and times.
When the time is right for your fencer we have tournaments suited for their level from novice to nationals. When you compete, you emerge stronger, smarter, and better prepared for your next bout through the continuous application of your craft.
We host weekly "home" scrimmages every friday night as well as monthly tournaments to prepare students and parents of the rigors of competitive play.
We also attend many "away games" as fencers improve their skill and branch out both locally and nationally across all age classifications.
Camps
Combo Camp a balanced recreational approach to learning fencing, archery, and chess. Approx 8 hours of each discipline
Advanced fencing camps are exclusively focused on competitive fencing but will from time to time open up the archery range for fun and games.