En garde! Earlier this year D-E 360°’s Afterschool Programming Team (ACE) hosted a fencing demonstration in the Lower School, which was a big hit with our youngest Bulldogs who were newly introduced to the sport.
“Fencing is an international sport of athleticism, grace, strategy, and sportsmanship”
Dwight-Englewood partners with the Manhattan Fencing Center, founded in 2007 by Fencing Hall of Famer Yury Gelman, to provide opportunities for training in scored fencing. The partnership began in 2023, and the club brings its coaches to D-E so that our students needn’t leave campus to participate. Classes are held in the LS gym.
Registration remains open, so it isn’t too late to register. Student fencers practice on Tuesdays (Beginner, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM; and Advanced, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
The beginner level is defined as students who have fewer than six months of practice or do not yet know the rules of saber fencing. Advanced students should have more than six months of practice and know the rules of saber fencing, movements, and basic tactics.
Sharon Keigher, D-E 360° Director of Programs, says of the students currently enrolled all are in grades 1-3, but she encourages other LS grades as well as Middle School students to also get involved.
“Fencing is an international sport of athleticism, grace, strategy, and sportsmanship,” says Ms. Keigher. “It is a wonderful sport for us to grow!”
Ms. Julia Gelman, Executive Director for Manhattan Fencing adds that, “We emphasize discipline, perseverance, and teamwork while ensuring that the learning process is enjoyable and engaging.”
“It’s a gateway to personal growth, new experiences, and lifelong friendships”
Manhattan Fencing has a history of working with elite athletes. Most notably, one of its students recently won the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the program’s 7th Olympic medalist since its founding in 2007.
“In addition to producing Olympians, the club has helped countless students excel in national and international competitions, with many earning scholarships to prestigious universities,” says Ms. Gelman.
Ultimately, fencing is more than a sport. “It’s a gateway to personal growth, new experiences, and lifelong friendships,” says Ms. Gelman. “Through this program, children can travel to competitions, challenge themselves in exciting new ways, and achieve their fitness, academic, and athletic goals.”
Our current students’ enthusiasm for the activity is a testament to the club’s mission. “This is awesome–I love this!” says Cedrick K. ’36, a first grader who recently started the program.
To learn more about the D-E 360° ACE Fencing Program at D-E or to register, click here.
