Thank you to Foothills Fencing Academy for sponsoring this giveaway on Kidding Around Greenville. Be sure to read this post in its entirety as the nice folks at FFA are giving away 4 weeks of beginner classes!
In college I was forced to choose between a multitude of courses worth only a couple credits to fulfill some obligation that I can’t remember now. But I do remember being psyched that Fencing was an option – so I signed up and couldn’t wait to wield my sword as a bad ass Medieval princess that I wish I was born as.
It was challenging but it was really, really fun. I had no idea the coordination and strength it took to learn the footwork, the proper way to earn points against your opponent, and the workout that every class entailed. I managed to pass the course, even toppling some of my male classmates in the process, and developed an unparalleled confidence that still lingers even today, long after my Russian instructor went back to coaching Olympians.
Here in the Greenville area, the Foothills Fencing Academy (FFA) is an awesome facility that teaches fencing to both kids and adults, even producing NCAA athletes and high-level fencers that go on to compete in worldwide tournaments.
Foothills Fencing Academy
The Foothills Fencing Academy is located in Piedmont, SC, only a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville, and consists of a 4,000 square foot, air-conditioned facility with six tournament strips (they are like small runways but people-sized) which are on a raised wooden floor in order to provide better protection for joints than a concrete or tile floor.
The FFA offers open fencing time as well as classes and summer camps. The FFA is the finest fencing facility in the entire area and all their coaches are professional members of the USA Fencing, certified by the USFCA and have undergone background checks.
Why Fencing?
Fencing is a great way to develop coordination, agility, discipline, strength, balance and focus. Fencers must problem-solve quickly, assess situations, and learn how to think strategically – all crucial life-skills outside of the sport of fencing.
Fencing is also a wonderful activity to stay fit and healthy, work muscles from your feet and ankles all the way up through your shoulders and neck. It’s a sport of both mind and body.
Fall Classes
Whether you’re 8 or 38, Foothills Fencing Academy can introduce you to the fascinating sport of “Physical Chess” with their beginner classes for kids and their parents too! Beginner classes cover the basics – including the rules of fencing, footwork, blade work, and tactics. Fencers will develop coordination, discipline, speed, endurance and balance. By participating in three sessions of classes, students will learn the basic fundamentals of all three weapons. Oh yeah, its a fun sport in an air conditioned facility!
In addition to adult, family, and youth classes, private lessons are available as well. Plus they host birthday parties, homeschool groups, after-school groups, or church groups.
They provide all the safety equipment for an introductory period but fencers must purchase their own gear after two months of training.
Beginner Classes
Beginner classes run in 4 week sessions and begin August 14th. But no worries if you’re not that quick because new classes will kick off again throughout the fall! All equipment needed is furnished for the first two month; all you need is the right clothing! Â Cost is $75 plus a $10 US Fencing Membership.
For more details visit their website or call (864) 593 3684.
Adult Beginner Classes
Fencing is a sport for all ages! The USA Fencing Association sanctions tournaments for adults, beginning with competitors as young as 13 years of age, as well as exclusive tournaments for specific age brackets ranging up to 70 years and over! This is also a great class to share some time for parent and teen.
Any new students should arrive for this first class at 6:15 for footwork preparation. Class will last until 7:45. The next three weeks class will meet from 6:45-7:45.
Youth Beginner Classes
Youth classes are for ages 8 years through 18 years. Class will meet for four weeks.
Beginner classes for age 8-10: A weekly one hour session introduces students to fencing while improving coordination and critical thinking. Coaches use a mixture of fun games and discipline teach your child the basic fundamentals they need to begin fencing.
Beginner Classes for ages 8-18: This hour-long class introduces your child to each of the three Olympic style fencing weapons. Students learn to move and hit safely. They are introduced to the basic rules, footwork, blade work, and tactics of each weapon.
Family Beginner Classes: these are a great chance to get the whole family involved and learn a new sport.
The USA Fencing Association sanctions tournaments for youth, beginning with 10 and under programs. Boys and girls participate together locally, but compete separately at national tournament events. The coaches will use fencing games and lots of fun to introduce your child to this exciting sport!
Register today
Foothills Fencing Academy
1004 Piedmont Hwy
Piedmont, SC 29673
(864) 593-3684
foothillsfencingacademy@gmail.com
http://www.foothillsfencing.com
Giveaway!
One lucky KAG reader is going to win 4 weeks of beginner fencing lessons with our friends at Foothills Fencing Academy!
This giveaway starts now and ends at midnight on August 31, 2017. Good luck!
Our giveaway rules:
- You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
- You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway.
- One entry per person per day.
- We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email. A valid photo ID and/or mailing address may be required.
- For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.
Has your family ever tried Fencing?
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer and New Jersey native who is thrilled to call the Upstate her new home. She loves cooking, trying new foods, and checking out all that Greenville has to offer.
Daughter has been wanting to try fencing
I think my son would love learning to fence!
I love KAG and all it offers our community. I’ve always dreamed of Fencing but I think my son would love it the most!
My daughter would love to get to do a month of fencing- how fun!
Both of my kids would love to learn fencing!
I don’t know that my kids have a favorite style of dance. They just love to do it!
I think my 10-year-old would really love this sport. Ironically after reading this post, I talked to a woman today who’s daughter’s were fencers and learned so much from this sport. Would love to try it.
My son’s favorite type of dance is
hip hop.
This was so fun in college, but a foot problem made it hard for me to keep the stance. Would love a chance for the grandchild to try this. He is enjoying a special needs dance class now.
Wow! I had no idea they had fencing classes! What fun this would be to do as a family!
My daughter doesn’t have a favorite style of dance. But she would love to fence. Fingers crossed!
This would be an awesome extracurricular activity for my almost 6 year old daughter! She is online public school and we are always looking for fun activities to participate in.
My daughter’s favorite type of dance is ballet.
Thank you.
My daughter really enjoyed her tap lessons when she was 5. We’ve moved onto karate and fencing may be our thing to try.
I am excited to learn about this , will take my son with me!
My daughter would absolutely love this!
Great info! Makes me want to try something I’ve never thought to do before!
I have two boys that would absolutely love this!
We have never tried fencing, but I think my eight year old would really enjoy it.
This would be awesome