11/11/2019
Why do I think Fencing/Martial Arts Historical European Martial arts is so important for children?
Fencing/Martial arts/HEMA are a great mind and body workout and are often referred to as "physical chess." Here are what I think are the main benefits:
1. Fencing/Martial Arts/HEMA are an individual sport, so it is ideal for kids who prefer to be in control of their own success or failure.
2. Fencing/Martial Arts/HEMA require a great deal of mental focus without realizing it. In order to be successful, you need to plan your next move and watch your opponent's moves. Because practitioners are engaged in a physical activity that they enjoy, they don’t realize the amount of mental effort they are exerting. Fencing can be an extremely useful tool in training a child's ability to focus and this new-found ability can carry over into academics and other areas of the child’s life.
3. Fencers/Martial Arts/HEMA develop good hand-eye coordination, balance, and quick reflexes.
4. Fencing/Martial Arts/HEMA are a great activities for all kinds of kids, even those who may have difficulty with other organized sports. Because this sport is so unique, children are required to learn how to control their body in a way different than they ever have before. In some ways it is similar to ballet, gymnastics, or figure skating, and kids who have enjoyed these activities have transitioned well into Fencing/Martial Arts/HEMA . (With fencing, though, you get a weapon!) The real advantage, however, is how this newness forces the child to have to pay attention and focus in class. This, along with the individual aspect of the sport, can be quite beneficial for children with learning disabilities or ADHD. I have seen students who have these challenges be quite successful in this activity. Every kid starts from scratch, and it isn’t always obvious what makes a practitioner good.
5. Many fencers go on to complete even after high school and include fencing as a unique extra-curricular activity when they apply to college. There are many collegiate fencing programs, and while not everyone will make it to the NCAA level, many universities have club programs which allow fencers to continue this healthy, stress-relieving activity into adulthood. Top fencers can be awarded generous scholarships. For example, scholarships to Stanford University.
6. Finally, Fencing/Martial Arts/HEMA teaches many important life lessons. In this day and age, I find that a lot of children have come to believe that everyone must be a winner all the time. Consequently, they have a hard time learning how to learn from a loss. Realizing that making mistakes is part of learning. I think fencing provides that opportunity in a safe environment so a discussion can be had and they can learn how to react appropriately and go on to set attainable goals.
