“En Garde: Fence!”

 

 

Among the many after-class activities offered at St. Louis de Montfort Academy, classical fencing stands out as one of the most attractive and formative for our students. More than a sport, fencing is a disciplined art—one that refines both body and soul while shaping strong Catholic young men.

The fencing program at the Academy began under the guidance of the late Roark Mitzell, whose expertise, passion, and dedication laid the foundation for a tradition that continues to this day. Though he has passed on, his legacy lives through the students he trained and the teachers who follow in his footsteps. Today, Academy instructors Byron Whitcraft, James Slobodnik and yours truly continue the noble sport, passing down the skill, precision, and esprit de corps that Mr. Mitzell instilled years ago.

Why is fencing so attractive to our young men?

It combines the thrill of athletic challenge with the elegance of an age-old martial arts. Swordplay demands correct timing and distance, speed, dexterity, strategy, and self-control. For boys, it is naturally compelling in its blend of competition, skill, and honorable combat. Yet beyond the excitement lies something even more valuable.

Strengthening the Body

Fencing develops agility, balance, endurance, and coordination. With every lunge, parry, and riposte, students sharpen their reflexes and improve cardiovascular fitness. It builds strength not through brute force, but through disciplined, repeated motion and precise technique.

Sharpening the Mind

Often called “physical chess,” fencing demands quick thinking, focus, and tactical intelligence. Boys learn to read their opponent, adapt under pressure, and make decisions in the blink of an eye. These mental habits carry over into academics, leadership, and everyday judgment.

Forming Character

Perhaps most importantly, fencing contributes profoundly to character formation.

• Self-discipline grows as students master technique through perseverance.
• Honor and respect are cultivated in the etiquette of the sport—saluting, acknowledging the opponent, accepting victory humbly and defeat graciously.
• Emotional control develops as boys learn to channel energy, remain calm, and maintain focus in the heat of friendly combat.
• Confidence blooms as students see their progress and realize they can master something demanding and refined.

In this way, fencing becomes a school of virtue, a training ground for determination, perseverance, integrity, and chivalrous behavior.

In addition to classical fencing instruction, students enjoy branching out into other fields of Western martial arts, learning single stick, long sword, and diverse medieval combat techniques.

At St. Louis de Montfort Academy, we are proud to continue this tradition, inspiring new generations of young men to grow stronger and more disciplined under the guidance of dedicated instructors.

The sword they wield is much more than a piece of steel, it is a tool for personal growth, a means to embrace the spirit chivalry, and the pursuit of excellence.

Are you ready?  “En garde! Fence!”

 

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