En Garde! Prét? Allez! Sign your child up for a fencing class at Gorton.

This fencing course is designed for beginners or those who would like to work on basic fencing skills. The class will cover basic fencing rules, fencing etiquette, footwork and attack and defense moves. The instructor will lead students in a warm-up, footwork exercises, group lessons and bouting. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring water. For ages 7 – 14

Why learn to fence?
Fencing is a great activity to build balance, physical coordination and agility, skills that transfer to other sports and daily life. Although fencing can be a physically demanding sport, you do not need to be a natural athlete to learn to fence. Our fencing class is designed to ease you into the sport and help you connect with your own body.

The sport of fencing exercises your mental as well as physical reflexes. Quick thinking, strategy and creativity are all skills fencing can help enhance. In fact, fencing’s combined physical activity with mental stimulation can help improve cognitive function and critical thinking skills. Fencing’s code of conduct also helps to teach the importance of discipline, respect, responsibility and good sportsmanship.

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 Chicagoland community for over 10 years. Their experience comes from National, NCAA, and Olympic champions. Their programs range from introductory levels to advanced competitive aspirations. Midwest Fencing Club welcomes all ages to learn fencing, enjoy it as a hobby, or turn it into their professional sport.