Leon Paul Mini-fence®

Foam swords Ref: 8FF

At this young age fencing is the perfect activity to capture their imagination and hold their attention. It teaches discipline, control and hand eye coordination and can be taught to groups of children using very little space.

However, at such a young age there are several factors that can put children off fencing. These include the occurrence of painful hits from metal weapons and the restrictive weight of even small weapons. To counteract these problems Leon Paul under it's Leon Paul Development program created Mini-Fence® a junior fencing system that address the problems of making fencing accessible for very young children.

The system has been developed with the assistance of the British Fencing Association BFA and will have many features that make it perfect for introducing fencing into any sports or educational environment. The Leon Paul Mini-Fence® Junior Fencing System consists of a unique multi media system to complement our foam weapons and plastic masks. The complete system consist of the following:

1. A handbook of ten suggested one hour sessions which introduces fencing in a fun and exciting way, included are ideas for warming up and fun games developed with a fencing theme which help develop coordinations, balance, eye hand coordination and inter personal skills.

2. A multi media DVD. This DVD will contain all the information with reference to the handbook to enable an untrained member of staff how to teach 10 basic lessons in fencing in a fun and informative manner or alternatively to create a taster session of any duration required. The DVD starts with a section on the history and development of fencing, from a means of defence to the modern sport it has become. It will include details of the development of the three different weapons, their rules and a series of multi media lessons designed by a world class Foil coach. The educational content of the disk can be copied or printed off to create class hand outs, course notes for the teacher and group or individual course assessment material. The DVD will provide video footage of the basic moves and exercises involved in fencing and progress the fencer from a complete beginner to a novice level. For youngsters completing the ten week course they will have a working knowledge of the details and history of the sport as well as good basic fencing skills laying the ground work to progress on to learn more advanced skills and lead on to fencing with standard equipment.

3. A coaches bag containing ten sets of foam foils and plastic masks. The foam weapons are soft enough to be safe for use wearing only normal gym kit and the mask provided, yet stiff enough to fence with properly. The masks are made of durable lightweight plastic and one size will fit almost any junior to teen fencer.

Advantages of the system include:

- It provides an enjoyable safe fun activity for young kids 6 to 10 years old which traditionally are difficult to entertain at activity and kids summer camps

-It is totally safe and can be used to teach children in a space no bigger than a badminton court.

-The system provides an educational aspect, including a means for assessing student progress.

-The weapons and masks are brightly coloured and will appeal to children.

-The teacher requires no previous experience of fencing.

-It is cheap, and replacement parts cost very little.

-It provides an excellent springboard for both pupils and teachers to start the sport and could lead on to gaining further qualifications.

-The sport teaches discipline and control.

-The unusual nature of fencing means that it holds a child's interest much better than a more mainstream sport. A point illustrated by its continual success as part of activity holiday curricula.

KF10 10 foam foils and masks, DVD and large bag £295.08 + VAT £346.72

Individual Foam weapons and plastic masks

Our foam weapons and plastic masks are an ideal way to get very young children involved in the sport. The mask comes in one universal size and has a transparent plastic visor. It is made of durable brightly coloured plastic that is lightweight and easy to clean while being strong enough to withstand rough treatment by children.

Written and created by Claire Hasted, following her experience at running Finchley Foil club. This outlines a programme of ten one hour sessions, including warm up and warm down exercises and games. Contains a wealth of information to introduce the sport of fencing to youngsters in a fun unstressed way.

Produced for the Leon Paul Development Scheme by Tyshler Fencing School for use in conjunction with the Mini-Fence® Handbook for the Leon Paul Mini-Fence® junior fencing system. This DVD contains a wealth of information about all aspects of fencing including historical background, present rules, the British Fencing Association, fencing courses, fencing equipment made by Leon Paul and coaching information and material available from Tyshler fencing school. The basic positions movements and simple coaching exercises are shown as short video clips. The DVD is ideal for teachers and new coaches who are just starting to explore the exciting world of fencing.