Parents give your input: Fencing lessons?

[EzraALee]

Hi! My name is Ezra Lee, and I am a high school student in Massachusetts. I have been fencing since the start of high school, and I served as a team captain at my school for a few years too. I was considering trying to do mini-fencing lessons for kids (five to ten maybe?) that really just serve as a fun addon to regular babysitting. How do you all feel about this as parents? What does one charge as a babysitter? Would safety concerns prevent you from considering this as an option? How can I improve the idea?

10 children at a time with swords.

Yes there are safety concerns

You’d also have to have insurance, DBS checks if you are working with children especially, you won’t be able to just teach fencing, there are regulations. If you have some coaching qualifications you maybe able to help out at your local fencing club, look them up they might be able to advise you, along with the British NGB for fencing.

OP literally says she’s in Massachusetts. DBS/British fencing totally irrelevant. 😂

OP you would be better posting this on a US forum somewhere, this is mainly a British forum and people don’t really do fencing in the UK the way we do in other countries. I’m not in the US (I’m in Asia) so wouldn’t know enough about the local economy to give prices.

No need to be rude, it’s 3 in the morning, forgive my comprehension, I presumed they were now located in the UK…

I’m not being rude at all, I’m pointing out the error because it’s going to cause confusion to the OP if she thinks she needs a DBS in the USA. Maybe things will look better with some decent sleep?

@Darragon what are you on about that we don’t do fencing in the UK, of course we do. 😂 My kids do it at school and are going to the European Championships. If you’re in Asia why are you commenting on the UK?

although you are correct that if they’re in MA then a US forum is better.

I would assume there would be regulations and a need for insurance anywhere.

swordkids.co.uk or shakespearesswords.co.uk are local clubs that offer after school sessions. Might be useful to see how they do it?

My kids would adore fencing lessons! Or they’d adore having swords in their hands… not sure how attentive they would be to lessons though so make sure you get that insurance 🤩

I briefly did fencing at uni many years ago.
They don’t really use swords..! The foil is blunt but still capable of taking an eye out.
So long as you are very very strict on helmet use there isn’t really a risk.
Id do fencing in a heartbeat - the fitness level required is great for young people, discipline and etiquette also.
Girls/women weren’t allowed to use sabres when I was practicing but don’t know if that’s still the case.
It is a brilliant sport.
If I had physically normal children (I don’t) I’d be seeking it out for sure.
Good luck OP

@snowrider I find the discussion on fencing lessons intriguing! How do parents feel about the physical and mental benefits of fencing compared to other sports? Are there specific age recommendations for starting?