Fencing

En Garde! Prét? Allez! Sign your child up for fencing lessons at Gorton! This class is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to sharpen their basic fencing skills. We’ll cover the rules of fencing, proper etiquette, footwork, and both attack and defense techniques. Each session includes a warm-up, footwork drills, group instruction, and bouting (practice matches). The instructor will guide students every step of the way. Please dress comfortably and bring water. Open to ages 7–14. Why learn to fence? Fencing builds balance, coordination, and agility. These skills carry over into other sports and everyday life. You don’t need to be a natural athlete to start. Our lessons ease you into the sport at your own pace. Fencing sharpens your mind as much as your body. It encourages quick thinking, creative problem-solving, and smart strategy. Plus, the sport teaches discipline, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship – values that go far beyond the fencing strip. History of Fencing Did you know the archaeological evidence of fencing dates back to 1190 B.C.E.? The oldest archeological evidence of a fencing contest is from an Egyptian temple along the river Nile, and in Europe, historical records of sword fighting schools extend back to the 12th century. Fencing evolved into a popular entertainment sport around the time of King Henry VIII, but it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the sport became truly fashionable among European nobility. During the 18th and 19th centuries, fencing became a popular sport among European aristocracy, and developed a gentlemanly code of conduct which the sport maintains to this day. Men’s fencing competitions were first included in the summer Olympics in 1896 and women’s fencing competitions were added in 1924. Midwest Fencing Club’s mission is to help people discover, enjoy and excel in the sport of fencing by providing the highest level of instruction in a true sportsmanship environment. They have been serving the…