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mayappleridge
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| Posted: May 06 2009 at 2:19am | IP Logged
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In spite of my strong pacifist leanings, I have a son who is very interested in fighting and weaponry. He loves nothing more than to play with his toy sword, light saber, or toy archery set. (When we leave the house to go somewhere he puts some sort of weapon in the back of the car in case we wind up at a castle where he may need it.)
I've been considering, since he is so interested, getting him involved in fencing. He's not violent by nature, he is very careful with his toy weapons and has never hurt anyone with them. Has anyone had a child involved in fencing? Is it dangerous? Expensive? Pros and cons?
He has low muscle tone and so anything that gets him up on his feet is a good thing. (It's a big part of why we don't have video game systems in our home and tv is strictly limited.) He loves to show me his "moves" with the light saber or sword.
Jo
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Quaker, Mama to 4, former American ex-pat
the Artist (boy) age 10
the Explorer (boy) age 8
the Tiny Goddess (girl) age 3
and Miss Mousie (girl) age 2
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missionfamily
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| Posted: May 06 2009 at 7:53am | IP Logged
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Jo--My son was involved in fencing for a few years. He hasn't been since our club had to shut down about a year ago, and I'm still sad he doesn't have the outlet any more.
It really is not violent at all, and in our experience, not at all focused on using the weapons to hurt anyone. It is much more about technique and strategy, a "gentlemen's sport" mentality iykwim. It is a great option for a child who is not attracted to team sports but likes to pursue things a little more offbeat.
And it provides good physical exercise for those kids not likely to go kick around a soccer ball for fun. The tournament system is a nice way to introduce competition gently when you are ready for that.
Our club let you pay by the month and rent equipment for up to six months before you made the investment. It was nice to be able to try it out before we made a big commitment. Good luck!
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Colleen
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Footprints on the Fridge
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Matilda
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I completely agree with Colleen. Our son has been fencing for the past two years and it is definitely not a violent sport and is a great alternative for those boys who aren't interested in team sports. Fencing has more to do with confidence, technique and assertiveness (not aggression).
Our club charges $100 for a 6 week beginner class and then you pay a month to month club membership (about $80) that gives you full access to all of the classes as many days per week as you want. Right now we are doing it twice a week. You can borrow the club equipment anytime you are there, but if you want to compete in tournaments, you have to have your own. We have been buying him his own equipment slowly over the past couple of years. Hope that helps!
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Charlotte (Matilda)
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Lisbet
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| Posted: May 06 2009 at 2:11pm | IP Logged
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i have 2 fencers here - its great! nak -more later
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
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Henry, 7
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Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 06 2009 at 2:12pm | IP Logged
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I don't think the interest in weapons and such is violence, I think it's something wired in man.  You could never show a boy anything about swords and I guarantee they will pick up sticks and sword fight. They might not know what it is called, but they will do it naturally. At a very young ange.
I was actually asking about this with some local moms, as I think it would be a great outlet for my boys. Watching this thread with interest.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Lisbet
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| Posted: May 06 2009 at 3:32pm | IP Logged
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Okay, I have a minute now... I have two boys that fence, it really appeals to the 'warrior' in them! :) (with 6 boys, we are not a pacifist family by any stretch!) It is not about violence at all, but about technique and competition. There is a real art to this sport.
I only have one complaint though, fencing is coed. I don't exactly like my boys weilding a sword at a girl. We don't allow them to participate in 'mixed' tournaments. They don't mind though, as Nick said, "fencing was once a way to settle disputes, and the majority of those disputes were either over land or women." LOL!
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
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mayappleridge
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| Posted: May 07 2009 at 11:23am | IP Logged
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Interesting point about coed, I don't know how I feel about that. I'm going to think about that one for a while.
Thing is, being Quakers, we are pacifists. But I've seen with my boys that weapon play is more about working past fears and feeling safe than about violence. It seems like what looks like violent play to me is more about them working out things for themselves.
To be honest, sword play is how this child learned to play with other kids his age in the first place. He went from being withdrawn and pushing a Thomas train in the dirt (alone) to being a big part of a group and talking and making friends.
I think I will look into fencing. I'll have to think about the coed issue, (maybe it's not an issue, maybe the groups aren't coed) but otherwise I think it may be a good fit for him.
Thanks, y'all!
jo
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www.cyfaill.blogspot.com
Quaker, Mama to 4, former American ex-pat
the Artist (boy) age 10
the Explorer (boy) age 8
the Tiny Goddess (girl) age 3
and Miss Mousie (girl) age 2
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Fencing
