Fencing is an elegant, prestigious and modern combative sport based on tradition. It is a challenge both physically and tactically. It requires the qualities of success which are important to today’s young people seeking a mind/body challenge. It is a blend of patience and determination, discipline and competitiveness, with the tactical complexity of chess, all at the speed of light.

I love fencing because it gives children a physical and mental challenge while building confidence, social skills, and an academic future — all with fewer injuries than other activities. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? But this exactly what fencing can do for children. Plus, I love to see the reaction of people when they learn that you are a “Fencer”!

As the cost of college continues to rise and admissions grows more competitive, parents and students look to high school athletic participation to give them an “edge” in the college admission and scholarship process. Most high schools offer traditional athletic programs like football, soccer, basketball, track, field hockey and lacrosse. Unfortunately, the competition to play those sports in college, let alone get a scholarship for one of them, is fierce. It is only the best of the best who make the teams an win the scholarships — not so with fencing. Fencers are 2 to 3 times more likely to make a fencing team in college. And, often there is scholarship money for fencing, too.

View list of the  46 Schools with varsity Fencing teams