Youth Beginner Fencing Classes in Livingston NJ
Livingston Fencing Class Schedule:
Weekly Classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6:30pm to 9pm
Seven Week Program (October 29th to December 19th*) - $550
*No Class November 26-28 (Thanksgiving week)
To Register, Click Picture Below
DFA RED PROGRAM CURRICULUM – Fall/Winter 2019
FENCING FUNDAMENTALS: BUILDING AND HONING TECHNICAL SKILLS OCT 29 – OCT 31
In any sport, proper technique plays a key role in the success of an athlete. Fencing is no exception, and in the first week, the program will define and review the key fundamentals and mechanics of fencing basics. Topics include proper En Garde positioning, execution of fencing footwork, basic blade actions and positions, and the mechanics of a lunge.
DISTANCE, DISTANCE, DISTANCE: CONTROLLING AND PENETRATING SPACE NOV 5 – NOV 7
Now that we have the technical tools, the question becomes when and how to use them. Fencing is a game of manipulating the distance to create and control offensive and defensive situations. In this week, students will learn to recognize the critical distances in fencing and develop tools to expand and collapse the distance to create opportunities on the strip.
TEMPO AND TIMING: THE RHYTHMS OF A BOUT NOV 12 – NOV 14
In the same way that each fencer has a unique distance defined by their physical capabilities, every bout has distinct rhythms that are created as fencers move with one another on the strip. Identifying, interacting with, and manipulating the rhythms of a bout can be critical in creating successful attacks and disrupting an opponent’s attempts to score. Students will spend this week learning the difference between tempo and timing and explore ways to use these concepts to create advantageous situations in a fencing match.
FIRST AND SECOND INTENTION: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF FENCING TACTIC NOV 19 – NOV 21
In order to create opportunities in a bout, fencers must be able to control their opponents and create predictable reactions. In this week, students will learn the difference between first and second intention and how these tactical choices can be used to force opponents into situations that can be capitalized on during a bout.
NO CLASSES DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEK (NOV 26-28TH)
WHO’S IN CHARGE: OFFENSE, DEFENSE, AND TRANSITION MOMENTS DEC 3 – DEC 5
Everything that occurs in a bout can be categorized as offense, defense, or a transition between those two moments. Recognizing and properly interacting with these moments is critical in making good technical and tactical choices. Students will apply the concepts discussed in previous weeks to the ideas of offense, defense, and transitions to help manage and anticipate the various tactical moments that arise as fencers jockey for position.
WHATS GOING ON: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS DURING A BOUT DEC 10 – DEC 12
To be a successful fencer, you need to be aware of more than just your opponent. Where on the strip are actions taking place? How much time is left in the bout? What is the score and how does that impact the choices each fencer makes? All of these questions (and more) can have a huge impact on the outcome of a bout, so it’s important to develop awareness of these patterns. In this week, students will focus on specific bout scenarios and situations to increase awareness and decision making during a bout.
FOR THE WIN: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER DEC 17 – DEC 19
It’s time to put all of these concepts together in a competitive environment. In the final week of the program, students will apply the tools they have developed in various competitive formats, including one-touch, five-touch, fifteen-touch, and team-relay systems that replicate the tournament styles fencers encounter at the regional, national, international, and collegiate levels of competition.
Durkan Fencing Classes in Livingston will continue after Winter Break (December 20th through January 3rd)! Classes will resume TUESDAY January 7th 2020.
