Teaching kids about swordfighting

**furrycelt** · 28th February 06, 02:56 PM

Having worked with kids as a church daycamp summer counselor, I think such a "sport" would be good for the kids if properly constructed.

I would suggest that you keep in formal, just like the formality in fencing. Ask that they salute each other before sparring. The kids will like the "ceremony" of it all; it will make them feel special, and it will help to maintain some control and respect.

I would suggest that sword strking shield is ok, they will learn to block and it will give them more to do than "clicking the sticks". And arguably, the shield will protect them. I would add padding to the swords, and then say that you cannot aim for the head or the body ever. If the head or body is struck, then the player will be told to sit out. Just aim for the arms and legs. These body parts can take some abuse without damage, and then a set of basic scoring rules can be set-up. You get hit on an arm or leg, your opponent gains a point. The round ends after 3 points, or 5 or so. Or make it two points, and then you gain one point if you do a successful shield block. Or something like that, I am pulling this off the top of my pate.

Of course, make rules that any aggressive behavior will not be accepted. The strikes need only to make contact--a touch; not to hurt. They have to say if they got touched or not; as a light touch may not be felt by the attacker. This will help teach the wee ones self-control, honor, and fairness.

-ian

**Panache** · 28th February 06, 03:15 PM

As well as the salute before they begin, they should end each bout shaking hands with their opponent (using their off hand of course).

You could let them know that the fast and light touch is what real fencers strive for. Small, light, and fast movements always beat heavy handed swinging. Look at Tim Roth's character in "Rob Roy" for example. Wait a minute... we are talking about children here...err..forget about the example.

Panache

**Southern Breeze** · 28th February 06, 03:30 PM

For some reason the image of an 8 year old dragging a claymore through the house is stuck in my head!

**KiltedKnight** · 28th February 06, 05:00 PM

Yeah, shouldn't somebody say something PC right about now?

Chris.

**furrycelt** · 28th February 06, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedKnight

Yeah, shouldn't somebody say something PC right about now?

Chris.

Be sure to do your kegel exercises.

There, how about that PC statement?... what?... you know: "PC muscle" which stands for: "pubococcygeus muscle"

-ian

**Alan H** · 28th February 06, 06:56 PM

Oh, come on Shay. Join the current Century. forget the swords, get your kids a breech-loading cannon.

**Panache** · 28th February 06, 07:06 PM

A breech loading cannon! Alan, these are but wee young 'uns. Start them off with a good old fashioned trebuchet before you get all fancy...

Panache

**MacHummel** · 28th February 06, 07:09 PM

I've done some European Martials Arts courses and I 've got to say kids and swords don't go together. I hope the adult in charge would teach the children about the respect any weapon should be given. The image of some one who watched a few Douglas Fairbanks movies and took a some courses in college on fencing dosen't sound to responsible.