The 2024 Summer Olympics kick off this month in Paris and we’re excited to introduce our new blog series featuring local experts offering information and helpful advice for parents on popular Olympic sports. We recently asked Mark Masters, one of the owners of Fencing Academy of Philadelphia for his insights on fencing, the benefits of the sport and advice for parents about the best time to get your kids started.
Fencing is a unique sport for many reasons, including that it has been part of EVERY Modern Olympic games since Athens in 1896. Only four other sports can make that claim: athletics (track and field), swimming, cycling, and gymnastics. This summer in Paris, the fencing events begin on July 27th. We are very excited to watch and cheer on local athlete Maia Weintraub, a three-time medalist at World Championships, and now Olympian who began her training at the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia.
Q: How/when did the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia start?
A: In August of 1989 I took over a small club, Fairmount Park Fencing Center. We met in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall (in what is now the Please Touch Museum), in an old indoor swimming pool (empty now, of course). When we were going to move out, I renamed the business Fencing Academy of Philadelphia.
Q: What is something unique that sets your business apart?
A: Fencing is an individual sport, not all kids or adults are team sport players. Fencing is really a full contact Martial art. From a Western European tradition, now participated around the world. Fencing is one of the safest, but most physically demanding sports.
Q: What is your favorite Olympic event to watch and why?
A: Other than Fencing my favorite olympic sport to watch is bicycle road race because my other sport is road bicycling for pleasure.
Please share a bit about Fencing and the Olympics:
Q: Who have been your favorite or most memorable Olympic athletes?
A: One of my best friends was Olympic Finalist in 1976 Games completely unexpectedly and inspired me to try for that level of accomplishment. Also the Former Head of University of Pennsylvania was an Olympian and friend.
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Q: What Fencing athletes are you most excited to watch and cheer for this summer in Paris?
A: Of course, my athlete Maia Weintraub and the rest of Team USA Fencing.
Q: Have you ever attended the Olympics?
A: Only as a spectator in Montreal at the 1976 Games. I was awarded Olympic Developmental Coach recognition for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Questions parents should ask when starting Fencing:
Q: What are the best ages for kids to start?
A: 8 to 10 is best. Lots of general sport play, non-specific training earlier.
Q: What is an ideal ratio of instructor to child in a class at the beginner level?
A: At Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, we strive for a One instructor for every twelve students. With the general training overseen by the Head Fencing Master.
Q: How are classes/sessions divided? Age, skill level or both?
A: Classes are separated by age and skill level.
8-12, 12-17 18 to 80 (yes we have had members up to age 90, fencing is lifetime), Beginners, Intermediate and Novices classes and private lessons. Advanced, Competitor, National, International level training.
Q: How long does it typically take to get the hang of the sport?
A: A lifetime. Our 6 month program of 2 or 3 classes a week produces an individual who is ready to begin to compete and then will spend a lifetime mastering the skills.
How will a child benefit and flourish by participating in Fencing?
Q: What are the primary benefits to kids of joining/participating in Fencing?
A: Aside from the general benefits of being healthier, fencing training develops great agility and quickness and something unique to fencing among all sports, fencing makes you smarter because of the use of the fingers and the thinking and planning is like playing PHYSICAL CHESS.
Q: What are some unexpected benefits?
A: Fencing improves focus and concentration because nothing makes you pay attention more than someone really trying to hit you and you getting to hit them! It is also actually relaxing. You can’t think about your problems while fencing.
Q: What is your best piece of advice for families whose child wants to get started?
A: If you can’t come to Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, be sure the instructor is a certified instructor by the United Fencing Coaches Association.
Photos provided by Fencing Academy of Philadelphia.