Teaching kids about swordfighting

[MacHummel]

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.

[Kilted Stuart]

I think it goes without saying that things tought to kids for fun should be fun and safe. It's fun to introduce your kids to a variety of things, it lets them explore the world of possibilities. But saying that, if the sport is pursued any further, than a lot of research should be done to assure the child is taking proper classes with an appropiate professional teacher, not a self professed master. Learning properly from the start allows the child to develope skills at a rate suited to age, agility etc. The teaching should always include respect for the weapon and what the weapon can do.

I encourage fun with children but they need to respect the fun they are having. If they learn that respect from the beginning it will remain fun. Anything beyond that needs a real professional teaching the proper teqniques.

Kilted Stuart

[Shay]

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.

Erm-

a. They're blunt wooden swords. Not even pointy. I only call them swords instead of sticks because they're carved to resemble swords. They are toys. Toys resembling weapons, and as such, should be respected to a degree, but I no more worry about them hurting each other terribly with sblunt wooden words than I would about them hurting each other with squirt guns.

b. They are supervised, and I am asking for suggestions here. It's not like I'm handing both my children edged weapons, sending them to the basement and expecting them to play nice. They own them and I would like them to be able to use things they own, even if it is in a limited fashion.

c. My husband lettered, traveled, and has won awards for saber fencing. I've never seen a Douglas Fairbanks movie in my life, and the only fencing I vaguely remember was in the Princess Bride- which I know for a fact was stagecraft, nothing more. Again- why I'm asking for help. It's rather insulting to both of us that you're implying otherwise.

d. Thanks for your opinions on the subject, and I'll consider them appropriately.

And yes, for those interested in further, professional training- when my daughter comes of age (she's 8), there is a local fencing academy that takes students at 10 or 12, and I'll be happy to let her take real lessons there. To be honest, I'd like to encourage her in fencing, since I respect it as a sport and a pursuit. But that will have to wait until she's old enough to recieve the attentions of a qualified instructor. In the meantime, I'm thankful for all the constructive suggestions.