RIFAC : Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club
Youth Beginner
Has your youngster expressed an interest in fencing?
RIFAC's Youth Beginner class is the perfect place to start a life-long relationship with a fantastic sport.
Tailored to meet the learning needs of younger enthusiasts, Youth Beginner is structured to impart proper form, technique, etiquette and sportsmanship to boys and girls, 8-13 years old.
RIFAC also strives to develop character, focus, coordination and self-confidence in all of its classes for children.
Including history, etiquette, technique and form, this foundation class reflects one of the most modern, and comprehensive, programs in the country.
By the end of the semester, young fencers gain a rich appreciation for the sport of fencing, and familiarity with basic footwork and tactics of offense and defense with the foil. They will gain basic understanding of officiating, familiarity with the electric fencing equipment, as well as proper etiquette. Once completed, students advance to the Youth Intermediate Class.
Youth Intermediate
Upon completion of the Youth Beginner class, young fencers are eligible to begin Youth Intermediate.
Designed to impart the "must-have" skills of fencing and prepare students for a future of competition, Youth Intermediate is the one of the most important developmental classes of RIFAC's Youth program, and students should expect to stay in Youth Intermediate for several semesters.
Youth Intermediate is segmented into three separate semesters of advanced material and may be repeated as often as necessary to perfect the skills required for a lifetime of successful fencing. Each repetition further hones technique, understanding, coordination and self-confidence, and better prepares the younger student.
During Youth Intermediate, instructors closely observe student's skills to determine eligibility for the Youth Advanced class. Students may only progress to Youth Advanced with the instructor's consent.
Candidates for Youth Advanced should display focus, maturity and a keen understanding of the technical aspects of fencing.
Youth Advanced*
RIFAC's Youth Program culminates in Youth Advanced, where young students are turned into young competitors. The primary focus of this class is on gaining experience with electric fencing. Experienced youth fencers learn proper tournament warm-up, gain insight into the mental aspects of competition and sharpen previously learned skills to make them effective under the pressure of performance.
Candidates for this class must display maturity and self-motivation. Classes consist of a warm-up, strengthening exercises, games, drills, discussions and implementation of tactics. Coaches provide feedback, and fencers are expected to stay on-task and focused while working alone or with a partner. Candidates for this class must also own all necessary electric equipment, knickers, tall socks and fencing sneakers. Equipment and clothing can be purchased from the RIFACTORY.
Coaches continually scout Youth Advanced for possible candidates for RIFAC's National Pre-Team.
(*Requires consent of head coach)
