Through the support of a local Souderton business, Souderton has a new fencing club. The club was completely fundraised by the club’s leader, Skye Scarlett according to freshman Simon Hershberger.
“Our club has been fundraised by our leader Skye Scarlett,” Hershberger said. “She went around to local businesses and asked if they’d be willing to sponsor this club, she has raised a ton of money for this club.”
Junior Skye Scarlett says that the equipment is paid for by “En Garde! Souderton” in order to make the club cost free for participants.
“Fencing gear tends to be expensive and my club makes sure the cost is free for all of the participants,” Scarlett said, “The non-profit En Garde! Souderton pays for all of the costs of the club, including gear, the instructors, and the time in the fencing academy.”
Scarlett says that club members start by learning the very basics of fencing.
“When class starts the fencing instructor and the student salute each other and class begins. The club always starts with the first few meetings focused around learning the very basics on how to fence and learning other general fencing information,” Scarlett said.
According to Hershberger, after the club members “suit up” they learn important fencing skills from their instructor.
“We go in and suit up, and put on the protective clothing. We are then told to grab our swords and spread out against the wall,” Hershberger said. “The instructor runs through warm up drills with us and we stretch out. After that, he’ll teach us something we need to know.”
Scarlett says that fencing is easier to learn when surrounded by people in a club.
“As a combat sport, fencing can not be learned alone,” Scarlett said. “Many think that fencing is an independent sport, but fencing is actually a joint effort, each fencer needs to be engaged with their opponent and instructors.”
According to freshman Daniel Levin, fencing has a steep learning curve.
“To become good at fencing, a fencer has to practice on a weekly basis and always work to improve their fencing fundamentals,” Levin said.
Scarlett says that the learning curve is high due to how different many participants find the sport.
“It all depends heavily on the person, obviously working on fencing more often will advance your skills faster,” Scarlett said.
Hershberger believes fencing can be a very beneficial activity to students.
“It helps you stay active and strong, and helps sharpen your mind and reaction time,” Hershberger said.
Scarlett says that fencing can teach people confidence and focus.
“More importantly, it’s just fun,” Scarlett said. “All of the students in the club are incredible and kind people who foster an amazing community. I hope we can continue to grow and thrive in the future.”