TCAPS Learning, Enrichment & Athletic Program

Three Swords Fencing Club’s youth program is designed as a gateway to the modern sport of fencing. If you’re looking for a sport that involves speed, agility, and fitness combined with chess-like strategic thinking, then fencing is for you. At our club we focus on training and competing with the épée. Epée fencing is akin to the historic rapier, where touches are scored with tip of the weapon by touching any part of the body. The object is simple: touch your opponent before they touch you. Although the concept is simple, more often than not, scoring a touch involves complex tactics, combined with lighting fast execution. We are grateful to have the opportunity to introduce kids from our community to the Olympic sport of fencing. Last year, in our first year with the LEAP program, we had eight students continues fencing with us. Of those students two participated in Michigan Division competitions and another competed at the Regional/National level posting two second place finishes, even though she had only been fencing a few months. Fencing with the LEAP program offers young people a great opportunity to expand their self-confidence through teamwork and physical fitness. Fencing provides equal opportunities for both males and females and people of all ages. All that is needed to participate is the desire to learn the sport and a basic set of gear. For beginners Three Swords Fencing Club will provide all the fencing equipment, unless students choose to purchase their own (discuss with instructors). What is taught in our classes: Basic introduction to modern fencing Proper use of equipment and safety Proper body position and footwork The rules of fencing and etiquette Drills to hone attack and defense skills Games to enhance speed and agility Practice fencing matches Some of the important benefits and life skills that can be derived from fencing: Develops quick thinking and decision making skills Encourages physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle Teaches good sportsmanship Enhances self-esteem Challenging oneself to gain confidence What to expect at each session: An active warm up session (~15 minutes) Footwork practice (5-10 minutes) Donning equipment (5-10 minutes) Fencing drills and bouting (15-30 minutes) Our goal is not only to teach fencing but also provide the opportunity to continue in the sport. Coaches can provide information about local, regional, and national competitions, fencing in college and scholarship opportunities, or fencing with other clubs throughout the country. *TCAPS is not responsible for COVID-19 protocols and guidelines put in place by community partnerships that operate outside of our facilities* Instruction: Classes are overseen by Head Coach Robert Bartle. Coach Bartle is a USFA-registered fencing coach, SafeSport certified, and co-founder of the Three Swords Fencing Club. Robert's coaching style emphasizes the importance of fitness and coordination, and the mental-emotional flexibility needed for high-level performance. His coaching assists fencers in achieving high rankings and top-level finishes in regional and national competitions. Classes will be conducted by adult members of the club who have competitive experience. Under the direction of Coach Robert these instructors will lead or supervise the warm up, coordinate activities, help outfit students with equipment, direct fencing bouts, etc. To augment adult instruction youth competitive fencers from the club will also assist in running the LEAP fencing classes. This is part of our ongoing program to teach leadership and develop self-esteem and positive self-image. These youth will perform similar duties to the adult instructors. Class Dates: All sessions will take place at the Three Swords Fencing Club: 2819 Cass Road Suite E6, Traverse City, MI 49684 Helpful Information: Fencing equipment will be available for students to use during all sessions. Participants should wear athletic clothing, including long pants and athletic shoes. Participants should bring a water bottle to every session. Participation Fees: $90 per session. Registration Deadline: Deadline for registration will be the Thursday prior to classes starting. Below is the list of registration deadlines: Session 1: Thursday, September 10th, 2020 Session 2: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 Session 3: Thursday, January 7th, 2021 Session 4: Thursday, February 25th, 2021 Session 5: Thursday, April 15, 2021 Registration deadlines are final. Late registrations may not be accepted after the posted registration close date. Payment is required at the time of registration. To register online using a Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or ACH via a checking or savings account please register below. Payment with cash or check can be made in the LEAP office located at Central High School, 1150 Milliken, Traverse City. The LEAP office is located near the Auditorium. Use the first parking lot on Milliken and enter through the first set of doors. Our office is the first office on the right.. Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Please call the LEAP office at 231.933.6570 for more information. NOTE: Registration is not complete until your course appears in your dashboard. You will also receive an email from Eleyo confirming your registration. If you do not receive the confirmation email or see the course in your dashboard, be sure you have not left any course items in your shopping basket. If you need assistance please call the LEAP office (231.933.6570). If you did not receive an email from Eleyo or see your course in your dashboard, the payment did not process and the student is not registered.