WSTR Kids

WSTR kids classes ceased in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic and have not restarted

Swords are fun!

The programs offered by WSTR are designed to introduce children to the sport of fencing in a safe and fun way. We're looking for parent and/or teacher volunteers to help!

 

East Haddam Elementary School Program

This is an after school program offered with the help of the EHES PTO and is a great way to introduce children as young as six to the sport of fencing!

Students will use specially designed plastic masks and foam swords as they learn the basics of poking their friends with swords in a safe, fun and exciting way! Simple fencing-themed games help develop balance, hand-eye coordination and interpersonal skills.

The program is heavily based on the Mini-Fence system, an internationally recognized program developed by Leon Paul Fencing. The lesson plans are written with ages 6-8 in mind – the pace is necessarily slow and the beginning of each class reviews what was covered in the previous session.

Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School Programs

These after school programs are offered with the help of MPAC.

Foil / Epee I

The curriculum for this program is heavily based on Leon Paul’s Midi-Fence system and is built around basic fencing moves and concepts. The equipment used – plastic masks, specially designed plastic swords and padded vests – allows students to explore and learn about a greater range of techniques than the foam swords used in the EHES program while still being incredibly safe.

Though designed as a stand-alone program, this can be thought of as a continuation of the Mini-Fence system and is the next stage in the introduction of fencing. The focus is still on foil and epee techniques. With these weapons, points can only be scored with the tip of the sword.

Foil / Epee II

This is a continuation of the introduction to Foil and Epee techniques started in Foil/Epee I. The aim is to run through the remainder of the technical syllabus, giving students a wide range of technical and tactical options to explore in fencing.

This can be taught during any of the sessions to students who have completed Foil/Epee I or who have previous fencing experience.

Students completing this program should have a firm grasp of the basics of fencing and be in a good position to transition to the High School Fencing Team or to WSTR’s teen and adult program.

 

Star Wars Day Lightsaber Academy

This special event introduces Historical Fencing techniques through the lens of one of the most influential science fiction sagas ever put to film or print. Students will learn techniques for both single-handed swords (such as the saber) and two-handed longswords. Plastic-cored foam swords will be used along with plastic masks. Will you choose the Jedi Path?

Special Session will be scheduled in May.

Registration Form

The 10th annual Brass Frog Assault of Arms will be held on June 21-23th, 2024 in East Haddam, CT.

Registration Price is $50 for one day or $100 for all three. Registration discount for verified HEMAA members is available.

Additional charges for meals and Lodging at Cave Hill Resort are tallied at the end of the registration process.

Registration is not complete until both the registration form has been submitted AND the registration fees have been received. Additionally, sponsor discount information and tournament slots will not be released until payment for a room for the event Resort (or confirmation of different housing arrangements) has been received.

** Non-binding - used for scheduling purposes. Days are tentative and subject to change until the schedule is finalized.