From a dashing scene in a movie or an eagerness to hold a sword, fencing is a sport that calls to many.
For those craving an opportunity to pick up a sword the St. Charles Park District has answered the call for the last 15 years, hosting fencing classes for first-time through intermediate students lead by Fencing Coach Tracy Lapshin.
Just as she sizes up an opponent before a match, Lapshin welcomes each new student. She has learned fencing is a sport that takes some time to grasp.
“Fencing is not dance, not baseball, not football and not swimming,” Lapshin said. “Just looking at a student, I cannot tell if they will take to fencing. It takes about five weeks to feel it and for them to understand the sport, the strategy.”
She said the five week mark she often notices a “light bulb moment” as her students recognize the sport’s craft, the way it incorporates a mental strategy and resilience.
“It’s about critical decision making and split-second timing,” Lapshin said.
She started her own fencing journey while in school. She explained how all her friends signed up so she did too. But over time while others drifted from the sport she was drawn in further.
Lapshin explains fencing is a team sport that puts the responsibility on the individual. To step onto the mat for a competition takes courage. The results of the match are in the hands of the individuals, using what they’ve learned and their own mental strategy.
“There is a team aspect, a team competition, but ultimately the individual is responsible for their own match,” she said. “You are the person winning or losing.”
The team aspect comes in the support and practice opportunities to prepare for a match. It’s also a sport that asks participants to keep their emotions in check, to maintain mental focus.
“There’s no anger in fencing,” Lapshin said. “As soon as there is anger, your thinking goes out the window.”
Some fencing students have tried other sports, some have no sports experience and each brings their life experiences and eagerness to learn into the classroom, Lapshin said.
In her classes at the St. Charles Park District, she’s been fortunate to welcome children as young as 7 through adults, including some parents who learn along with their child.
“When moms and dads learn with their kids it’s phenomenal,” she said, adding that often parents are surprised by their children who can hold their own. “How often do parents get to experience learning alongside their child?”
There’s even adults who make time for fencing class as part of their date-night routine and plenty of tweens and teens try the class as well. Fencing is a great sport to learn at any age, Lapshin said, adding that it isn’t too physically demanding on the body.
The next set of St. Charles Park District classes is set to begin Tuesday evenings starting April 22.
Equipment is not provided, but Lapshin can help students obtain a basic set.