Discover the Best Fencing Classes Online
Equal parts physical and mental, fencing is a tactical combat sport. The goal of fencing is two accrue points by striking your opponent. Evidence of sword fighting dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt in 1190 BC, so fencing is an ancient practice. Originally used as a military training program, fencing eventually evolved into a sport in the 14th or 15th century. It’s even been a permanent fixture of the Olympic Games since 1896.
Equal parts strategy and athleticism, fencing requires expert coordination, strength, and speed. While often considered a sport for the elite, the art of fencing has gained more mainstream recognition over the years. With the development of more inclusive fencing clubs, the sport of fencing is more accessible now than ever before.
Why You Should Learn Fencing Online
A particularly niche activity, you may be wondering why you should learn to fence. If you’re an active person that isn’t fond of group sports like soccer, football, and basketball, fencing is for you. While fencers are typically part of a team within a fencing club, you only ever play against one competitor at a time. The objective is to land hits, known as touches, on your opponent's body.
While the sport is mostly one-on-one, you can still make friends by being a part of a team. You can become a contributing member of a larger community by joining a fencing club. You’ll play rounds, known as bouts, with your opponent while simultaneously working towards increasing your team’s overall point total.
Fencing requires a tactical and strategic mindset. Demanding intense focus, fencing is a way to practice mindfulness and stress relief. This very physical practice can also help to release energy and boost your endorphins, aiding in anxiety relief. Fencing is a worthwhile exercise for both body and mind.
Additionally, fencing teaches both adult and child students alike how to think quickly on their feet. Fencing is a chance to practice quick decision making by developing and using both offensive and defensive strategies. You can build self-confidence by learning to trust yourself, your decision-making, and your reaction time.
For the extremely committed, fencing can even become a career path. One of the most time-honored sports at the Olympics, the best of the best can find themselves representing their country on an international level, earning an income from paid partnerships and brand deals.
Winning a gold medal and being on the front of a cereal box may not be in your future, but learning fencing offers so many other benefits.
Virtual Fencing Classes
Choosing an online class may be the best option if you live in an area with limited in-person classes or are looking to eliminate commuting. Online fencing classes allow you to choose your location, typically can accommodate a wider variety of schedules, and still offer the benefit of being led by an expert fencing instructor.
Designed for growing and ambitious young minds, Dedimus Potestatem offers a virtual teen fencing camp for athletes 12-19 years old. Consisting of 15 hours of virtual instruction, athletes will learn the basics of sabre fencing combined with leadership skills and how to draft and present legislation as members of the United States Congress. This course helps teens master lifelong skills that will benefit them outside of their sports and academics, helping them become well-rounded citizens and leaders.
While not specifically focused on fencing, there are several other online courses that could help hone the same skills. Pursuing a tai chi practice, mastering yoga, or learning meditation can help improve your balance, strength, and flexibility. They can also teach you fundamental breathwork and foster quick problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Offered by Thai Chi Upper West Side, Tai Chi Beginner Virtual aims to teach students the fundamental principles and movements of Tai Chi. Students can improve their balance and strength, and learn to clear their minds of distractions, all skills that are extremely beneficial for fencers.
Gratitude & Grace Meditation Series is hosted by CNTRD Wellness and focuses on practicing gratitude as a way to get back in touch with your purpose and intuition. Meditation can help you learn to calm your central nervous system, a handy skill to have in high-stress situations, like a fencing bout. The first few minutes of the class will break down the topic or technique, with the remaining time allotted for you to practice what you’ve just learned.
Help maintain the health of your muscles and joints with Gentle Hatha Yoga. Students will learn how to slowly build strength and flexibility through yoga poses, two things that are crucial to fencing (and to the prevention of athletic injuries). Each session is an hour long and you can sign up for them as you go, deciding how often you’d like to attend.
Balance Arts Center offers Fundamentals in Flow, Balance & Stability, a 90-minute course that guides you through fundamental movement practices. Designed to improve balance and coordination, this class also aims to encourage the connection between your mind and body. Once you’ve established proper posture, you’ll apply that posture to balance and stability movements.
Private Online Group Fencing Classes
Are you wanting to create a one-of-a-kind event for your business or organization? CourseHorse offers private online group classes, designed to fit your team’s needs! While there may not be any fencing classes for private groups currently listed, you can always reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn more about your options.
Virtual Group Stretching & Alignment is currently available and focuses on increasing flexibility through various techniques used by dancers. While not specifically about fencing, this class does provide you with ample knowledge on how to expand your range of motion and prevent injury, which is extremely helpful when you’re in a fencing bout.
Booking is simple and stress-free. There are zero booking fees and you can change the size of your group after booking if needed. Plus, you’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours and your online private class can be hosted on multiple supported platforms.
Online vs. In-Person Fencing Classes
There are many ways to learn fencing, with the two most common ways being in-person and online courses. An in-person class is often considered the fastest and most efficient way to learn the sport as you benefit from face-to-face interaction with an expert instructor and other athletes. In-person classes also typically supply all the equipment needed as well as the physical space (like a gym or fencing club), so that you can simply show up and learn.
Can’t make it to an in-person class or live in an area with limited offerings? Online fencing classes are a great option! Live online classes have the obvious benefit of face-to-face interaction with your instructor and the ability to receive feedback in real-time. On-demand virtual classes allow you to practice on your own time and at your own speed. Stop or start class whenever you need so you have more time to perfect a specific skill.
Can I Learn Fencing for Free Online?
Free video tutorials, like those found on YouTube, can be a great place to get started. If you’re just exploring the sport of fencing, watching video tutorials online can help you learn the basics. They can also shed light on what kind of commitment is needed and what equipment you may need to buy. Fencing has three main disciplines – the foil, the épée, and the sabre (also known as saber) – and each has a different kind of blade and its own unique rules. Free online tutorials can help you decide which one you’d like to pursue.
While free online resources can help you dip your toes into fencing, they typically require you to purchase your own equipment and find an appropriate space to practice. In-person classes are the ideal choice for when you’re ready to go all in and start training to become a skilled athlete.
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