April 23, 2007

News Release

Fencing Club Comes to East Texas

John Tyler High School started a new trend in East Texas this school year by organizing a fencing club.  Texas has more fencing clubs than any other state.  Now, Tyler, Texas has a fencing club to add to their list of successful clubs.  The John Tyler Fencing Club consists of fencing Coach Bryn Ralph, team mom Catherine Harrison, John Tyler sponsor Donnie Smith, and about 25 John Tyler students.  The club meets every Wednesday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on a voluntary basis.  

During this time the students learn proper fencing stances, guard positions, advances, engagement, parry’s, how to retreat, salute, and many other fencing techniques.  They also have fun playing games like, fencing style “Simon Says” and gladiators.  Fencing consists of different weapons, but the one the John Tyler club focuses on is a called a foil.  While on a school field trip to the Fairfield School of Fencing, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the students had the opportunity to learn additional fencing theory, techniques, and actually fenced using different style weapons. 

According to Mrs. Harrison, fencing is quite challenging, requires strategy-building skills and is very physically exhausting.   However, the students are very consistent to show up and participate.  She says the group is hoping this may become an elective class by next year. 

The club demonstrated their fencing skills at the John Tyler PTA meeting in March.  They performed an excellent demonstration for the audience.  The parents really enjoyed the performance and the students enjoyed showing their learned skills.

Mrs. Harrison is in the process of planning summer fencing camps for students interested in participating.  

###