My idea is to bring 2-4 youth (aged 10-12) fencers to the Bluegrass Fencing Club ( http://www.bluegrassfencers.com/ ) in Lexington, KY in October or November to work with a top level coach, Amgad Khazbak who is working with the #1 U-16 fencer in the world, Lee Kiefer. The children would stay overnight so they would get at least two days worth of group classes and individual instruction. I have been working with three kids twice a week since last August. I would continue to do so between now and when the trip takes place (in late October or November) so they will be prepared both physically and psychologically to take the maximum advantage of the instruction provided. After the trip, the children would give back to the community by showcasing what they learned through a public demonstration at the Cabell County Public Library Monday night story hour. They may also do demonstrations at their respective schools and elsewhere on request.
First, fencing is excellent training in discipline, balance, coordination and sportsmanship. I learned to fence beginning at the age of 10 through a program in my public school and it helped me get through a key point in my growth and prepared me for other sports. Fencing has been called “chess on stimulants” so it also encourages the development of thinking processes.
Second, the ideal time to learn to fence is between the ages of 10-12 as children are the most receptive to instruction during that age span. I learned to fence at that age, and when I started fencing again five years ago after a 25 year break I quickly became one of the best fencers in the area due to my having learned correct habits the first time.
Third, learning sports skills from the best teacher available, would teach the youth the correct habits the first time. This would maximize their chances of developing to the full extent of their abilities and motivations. I was very fortunate in that my first teacher became one of the top fencing coaches in the U.S., earning the first medals for U.S. fencers. I would like to give the youth I work with the same opportunity. Coach Khazbak has been very successful doing so as you can see from the success of his students on the national and world levels of competition: http://www.bluegrassfencers.com/instructors.htm
http://www.fencing.net/1656/featured-video-kiefer-for-gold/
Last, fencing allows the opportunity for self-expression through the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. It also helps people learn about history when they demonstrate period fencing techniques and explain their historical context.
How Money Will Be Used:
Would use the money first for instruction for the children, $10 floor fee for non members, $15 per student for a 1-2 hour class, $30 for a 20 minute individual lesson with Coach Khazbak.
I would explore the possibility of a group rate/package deal or attending a scheduled camp in order to maximize training for our budget.
Next, the money would go to lodging, which would be $73 a night for two hotel rooms at the Red Roof Inn within two miles of the club, or $135-160 or a two room suite at the Comfort Inn or Homewood Suites within a mile of the club.
Third, money would go to food for the fencers. While a minimum of two adults (one male and one female) would attend, they would pay their own way as would any younger brothers or sisters who might come along as well.
3 Month Goal:
As the participants already have the required equipment, the money would be used only for training in Lexington. We would wait to make the trip until late October or November so the youth would be best prepared physically and psychologically to take full advantage of the training provided.
Also, as I coach soccer and at least one of the possible participants plays soccer during the fall, waiting until after the season frees up our weekends.
