Children learn fencing through community education program
Bethany Andrews coaches Koda Marshall, 8, and his fencing partner on how to parry during a fencing class after school at Spanish Fork High School on Thursday, October 4, 2012. JIM MCAULEY/Daily Herald
One of bethany Andrew's students raises his mask to salute during a fencing class after school at Spanish Fork High School on Thursday, October 4, 2012. JIM MCAULEY/Daily Herald
Students practice during a fencing class after school at Spanish Fork High School on Thursday, October 4, 2012. JIM MCAULEY/Daily Herald
Bethany Andrews shows students how to parry in an invitation maneuver during a fencing class after school at Spanish Fork High School on Thursday, October 4, 2012. JIM MCAULEY/Daily Herald
Ryker Wing, 7, listens to instruction during a fencing class after school at Spanish Fork High School on Thursday, October 4, 2012. JIM MCAULEY/Daily Herald
Watching “The Three Musketeers” or “Zorro” inspires children to reach for a stick and give fencing a try as they yell, “En garde!” But it’s a bit more complicated than putting on a protective jacket and mask, then dueling with a 35-inch metal blade.
In fact, they don’t even say “En garde.”
Bethany Andrews is an instructor who is passing on her knowledge and passion for the sport of fencing to the next generation. After competing in high school and at Brigham Young University and co-owning a studio in Orem for several years, Andrews now teaches children’s fencing classes for Nebo School District Community Education.
“It’s a great sport for kids, especially kids who might not want to participate in the more common ones,” Andrews said. “It’s a great physical workout — a match is the equivalent of running six miles, and it requires quick thinking and agility. Some of my best students have been young people. Kids who have ADD or ADHD actually do really well at fencing because it requires moving and thinking quickly at the same time.”
Andrews got into the sport in an unusual way. When she was 14, she found the term “fencing” as she was reading the encyclopedia. Not really understanding much about the sport she added it to a short list of goals.
“I told my mother I wanted to do three things,” Andrews said. “I wanted to learn fencing, see the aurora borealis and go scuba diving. I was very fortunate to have a mother who was very supportive and she found a class for me at the local YMCA. I participated mostly on a recreational level and then came to BYU to join their fencing team. Ironically, the team was discontinued but I was lucky to meet Julie Seal, who was my teammate and coach and later business partner. Now, as a busy mother, I enjoy teaching children.”
Her young students appreciate learning to lunge and parry from such an experienced instructor. Andrews teaches children as young as 7 the basic positions and how to use the three weapons: the foil, which is a thrusting weapon that targets the torso; the sabre, which is a thrusting and cutting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist; and the epee, which is a heavier thrusting weapon that targets the entire body.
“My favorite sword we use is the sabre,” 8-year-old Koda Marshall said. “I like fencing; it’s really fun. I wanted to do it because I like ninjas and learning about them and fencing is like ninjas.”
Helen Porter signed up her 15-year-old daughter, who is one of only two girls in the class.
“Mariah doesn’t mention very many things she is interested in trying so when she asked if she could take fencing lessons we were happy to sign her up,” Porter said. “I think it’s important to let kids try new things and build their self-confidence. You never know what they will be good at and enjoy.”
“I really like fencing,” Mariah said. “I’ve always been interested in swords and archery and things like that. In our class we learn a few moves and then practice parrying and reposting with other people in the class. I want to keep taking lessons even after the classes.”
Fall session classes will be ending soon, but to sign up for spring sessions, contact the Nebo School District Community Education office at (801) 354-7418.
