Sword in the Scroll Fencing Academy

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Summer Camp 2024

June 4, 2024

SITS will be offering an Epee  Camp this summer June 24th-28th for intermediate fencers ages 12 & up. Emphasis will be placed on solidifying basic skills while honing fencers innate strengths and abilities. As well as time dedicated to fostering and understanding the more intellectual aspects of the sport. 

FEATURES

  • Daily footwork and blade work lessons
  • Open bouting 
  • Games and exercises 
  • Tactics and mental fitness 
  • Understanding the rules and tournament structure 
  • Armory lessons 
  • End of camp tournament 

SCHEDULE 

Monday June 24th – Friday June 28th
10:00am. – 4:00pm.
Doors will open at 9:00am. Late pick up will be available until 5:00pm.

REGISTRATION FEE

  • Full Camp          –  $420
  • Single day rate –   $110
  • Registration deadline – July 1st

REQUIREMENTS 

  • minimum non-competitive usafencing membership 
  • Full fencing gear
  • Bagged lunch

If you would like to register for camp speak with Coach Shane or you may do so by clicking the sign up button below.

Sign up here
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About SITS

Fencing in the old church, 2006

Our club originally began as a historical combat group. Western Swordsmanship Technique and Research (or WSTR, LLC) was founded in 2004 by Drew Page and Ken Johnson to research and teach German longsword and other historical combat techniques. During the first year, Coach Steve Martin, a former fencing coach at UConn, joined the club and began talking about the modern sport of fencing. He eventually agreed to teach modern fencing to some of the longsword students. Drew and Steve decided to focus instruction on epee for several reason, but mainly because it was so similar to other techniques that club members had studied.

Our first fencing class took place in a church in Coventry in January, 2006. When we out grew that space, we moved to our current location in Willimantic. The fencing program continued to grow and expended to offer saber instruction. The historical fencing program was split off in 2011 and became its own non-profit organization. Our historical colleagues still train at our facility on Wednesday evenings.

Sophia (L) wins the Women’s Epee event at the SITS C & Under (April 2021)

Today, SITS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We have over 60 active members and have taught fencing to over 500 individuals. We have coached many Allstate athletes and a two-time state high school champion, 17 Junior Olympians, and 2 USFA Summer National bronze medalist, including former coach and Executive Director Drew Page.

FAQ

We start fencers at age 9 in our Youth Fencing Program. Fencing requires safety equipment that is made to certain sizes. Some children may be too small to properly fit. Though we understand the excitement fencing offers young children, it may be appropriate to wait in some cases. Fencers 12 and up begin in our Fencing Fundamentals class.

We start beginners all year round. The only condition is that fencers contact us to arrange a start day. We give our full attention to new fencers (often with one-to-one instruction on your first visit) and this requires preparation.

A water bottle, sneakers and gym clothes (preferably long sweatpants or running pants). SITS will provide equipment temporarily until fencers get settled and feel they will continue to fence.

Fencers begin in our Fencing Fundamentals class. Fencers attend this class for the first 3 months before progressing into our regular classes. After this initial period fencers are encouraged to attend more than once a week. To find a class time, visit our classes page.

Our approach to fencing is unique. Classes are run as group instruction, combining ages and skill levels through individual and paired drills. One exception is the Youth Fencing Program. This class is for younger fencers, ages 9-11.

Beginner fencers ages 12 and up start in our Fencing Fundamentals class for the first 3 months before advancing into regular classes. Students with previous fencing experience may begin in our regular classes.

During regular classes, fencers are usually paired with fencers of similar size, and often with a more advanced fencer in order to help both learn the skill. Beginners benefit from the advanced student’s modeling and better control for safety. Advanced students will improve through the act of teaching and reviewing skills, focusing on fine details, drills which incorporate more complex strategy, and refining their techniques in bouting. Most advanced students progress through private lessons and attending open bouting frequently.

Yes! Statistically, fencing is one of the safest contact sports. Studies show fencing is safer than baseball, soccer, and football. However, make no mistake; fencing involves contact. Though gear is designed to protect from injury, bruises are common. One cannot fence without hitting or getting hit. That said, injuries requiring any medical attention are very rare.

Your trial class will cost nothing. If you choose to return for more classes, the costs differ based on type of class and payment schedule. Please contact us to discuss this in detail and to arrange a time to visit.

Click on our address to get directions, or see the green arrow below for the location of our entrance at 90 S Park St.

You learn more from losing than winning.

— Morgan Bayard Wootten

Location

90 South Park Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
860.334.4187 | Email us.

SITS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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Recent images

Sophia (L) wins the Women's Epee event at the SITS C & Under (April 2021)
A SITS Sweep: Raven, Edward, Duncan, and Nico take top 4 in Men's Epee event at SITS C & Under (April 2021)
Melissa (L) wins 2020 CT High School State Champsionship in Women's Epee
Alex (2nd from L) wins Women's Epee at 2018 East Lyme Winter Classic
Camden (4th from L) at 2017 HS States
Sierra (4th from L) at 2017 HS Novice Tournament
Raven, Isaiah, & Edward at 2017 HS Novice Tournament