Fencing Competition

This was the year for Austin in the fencing competition. The boys have been fencing for two years now. Austin joined this year and has enjoyed himself. He is rather tiny, and so it could have been really hard for him. But not so. He shone!

He won the Gold Trophy in his age bracket. Here are some pictures of him whipping across the floor at one of his opponents. In this particular match he won 10 to 3.

Could His Smile Get Any Bigger?

Cassidy and Dane also did very well. Dane is always at the wrong age bracket and has a group that are above him in the competition. They have been in for four years longer than him and each competition he goes up against them. I have seen his skill improve each time, but he has yet to beat them, try as he might.

Cassidy did well, as he took Silver out of a group of seventeen fencers.

Admiring the Medal

Our little town only sent five fencers and we brought home bronze, silver and gold medals and one first place trophy! Good job boys!

Big Brother Coaching Younger Brother

Next year, we may get into the fencing more. There are a lot of competitions all over our province and they run from February through May. With three ambitious fencers and possibly a fourth next year, I think it is time to start driving!
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Boys - Wild at Heart

Our boys have really taken off in the fencing department! They were introduced to it last fall and have loved it. They practice once a week for two hours and then if they have time they practice in the backyard. When you consider that guys have so much need to be active, warriors, fighters, knights - anything with a weapon: bow and arrow, hunting rifle, machine gun, spear, or sword, it is not difficult to figure out why it was such a success!!

The sad thing is how little it is noticed out there in the world. Boys need a good outlet for all that male energy. Think back to not that many years ago, when men and boys were called to protect and expected to provide for their families. In our country we do not live that way as a norm anymore. Boys don't know what to do with themselves. Think of those boys that are playing violent video games and watching graphic violent television shows and movies. Those kids need to just be *guys*. There is a book called Wild At Heart. It is about men and it talks about the male need to be *men*!

I am so glad our boys love fencing! Even Austin is now into it. He is only 9 years old, and the size of a 7 year old, but he has the mighty spirit of a warrior! When I wasn't sure about sending him to the last competition his coach said, Yes! He has the energy and excitement that we need!! So he went. He had lots of fun and got to spar off against kids that were bigger and better than him, but he learned and is excited to go next time.

The Audience

In the meanwhile, the older boys have now been to two competitions. Cassidy was in the 12 and under category, and Dane and Colt were in the Cadet category - over age 12. In both competitions Cassidy brought home a silver medal, and Colt earned himself two bronze medals! The competition was fierce and it was a nail biter!! At times they would compete against someone in the elimination round and the points would be stacking up one by one - one for him, one for the other, one for him, one for the other. Oh, it was tight! Talk about exciting!

And then there is the danger side of it. Sadly, by the lack of involvement from the general publics children, the message comes across that fencing is for 'other kids' - not tough stuff or some such message. Well, they are sadly mistaken. It is a dangerous sport! They wear vests with under padding, and face masks, but it can still be risky. At one time, during Colt's round his opponent's sword passed the vest and went under the mask and made a nasty abrasion on his throat! It hurt and the competition had to stop for a bit for Colt to gather his wind and be ready to move on again. But did that stop him? Nope!

Now the boys are all geared up for the Provincial match that will take place in May. They are excited and I think they will keep the others hopping! Colt has even found out that there is fencing on the base if he joins the airforce!
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