Fencing is an ideal enrichment activity for the energetic child, as well as the thoughtful one, the social one and the shy one, as it simultaneously engages the physical and the intellectual, offering multiple challenges and growing progressively more complex, yet always in step with the student’s own development.
The sport of fencing is a uniquely classic sport. It has a history, drama, romance, style, and art, plus all of the advantages of an active and physically demanding sport. It is also mind-consuming, not allowing for a moment’s break in focus.
Fencing develops discipline, balance, coordination, and sportsmanship. Fencing also helps children develop quicker reflexes and the ability to make lightning-fast analyses of tactical situations.
Through fencing, children learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to compete independently as well as for a team. They learn to enjoy winning and profit from defeats, while becoming physically fit and healthy. Most importantly, they learn to make complex decisions, analyze problems, and think fast. These ideals help children reach their potential in many areas other than fencing.
The benefits of fencing extend to the college recruitment process. College coaches are now recruiting fencers with years of competitive experience in the local, national, and international realms. Many of the colleges that recruit experienced fencers are among the nation’s elite: Harvard University, Princeton University, and University of Pennsylvania are just some of the many universities that look for top scholar-athletes to join their fencing programs.
- Fencing develops spatial skills
- Fencing improves math and logic skills
- Fencing creates greater self-control and focus
- Fencing boosts self-confidence
- Fencing promotes aerobic and anaerobic fitness
- Fencers are appealing to admissions departments
According to Swordsmen 101.com:
Dueling with any one of the three types of fencing swords, whether the lightweight foil, the epee or the thrashing saber, can actually improve math skills. Fencing improves a perception of geometric shapes– one literally “draws” in the air with the sword– and a type of “if/then” logic, explained Dr. John Heil, a sports psychologist and the chairman of the Sports Science, Safety and Technology Committee for the U.S. Fencing Association.
Read the entire article at: http://www.swordsmen101.com/FencingMathematics.html.