- maitre@engardefencing.co.za
In today’s world, children and teenagers are under more pressure than ever. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in social settings, they’re constantly facing situations that challenge their confidence.
This is where fencing really shines. We see it time and again at En Garde School of the Sword in Cape Town: children who arrive shy or unsure of themselves gradually grow into strong, focused, and confident young people.
Fencing is a solo sport, and that’s part of its strength. On the strip, there’s no team to carry you — every choice and every point is your own. This helps children learn to rely on themselves, trust their instincts, and recover quickly when something doesn’t go their way. Those are lessons that build lasting confidence.
No one masters fencing overnight. It takes practice, repetition, and patience. But as children improve their footwork, sharpen their blade work, and react faster, they start to see the results of their own effort. That kind of achievement creates a deep, genuine confidence — one that isn’t based on outside praise, but on knowing they’ve worked for it.
Walking onto the strip, blade in hand, can feel daunting at first. The heart races, the nerves kick in — and yet they learn to stay calm, focused, and brave. That courage doesn’t just stay in fencing class. It carries over into school, friendships, and challenges later in life.
It isn’t only about speed and fitness. Fencing is often described as physical chess because it demands quick thinking and strategy. Children learn to anticipate their opponent, think ahead, and adjust in the moment. Outthinking someone in a bout brings a huge boost of confidence, and it trains the mind as much as the body.
At En Garde School of the Sword, character matters as much as technique. Respect for yourself, your opponent and the sport is at the core of every class. The fencing community is built on encouragement, fairness, and honour, creating an environment where confidence naturally takes root.
The skills and confidence fencing gives young people don’t end when class does. They help with public speaking, exams, interviews, and even leadership later on. Many parents tell us that taking up fencing has been one of the best choices they’ve ever made for their child’s growth.
We invite you to try a free first class at En Garde School of the Sword in Cape Town. It’s a chance to see your child discover a new kind of confidence — one that will stay with them for life.
