Fencing is physically challenging and is an intense mental game. It is a great sport for any age. For children youth, fencing teaches self-reliance and confidence in a way different from many team sports. Skills taught to the younger fencers include gross muscle coordination, sportsmanship, and, of course, learning to use a sword! Youth and adults both enjoy the competitiveness, the discipline, the camaraderie, and, of course, learning to use a sword!
Despite its image in the movies, there is no violence involved in fencing. The mandatory safety equipment makes it an extremely safe sport. Safe, effective training is emphasized at all times. Among other skills, fencing develops balance, awareness of personal distances, hand-eye coordination, and tactical knowledge – all skills which can be applied to many other facets in life. In this sport, speed and strength are useful, but tactics, mental skills and timing are more important, making fencing a lifelong sport.
East of the Cooper Fencing is one of the largest youth fencing groups in South Carolina. It’s run through Mount Pleasant Recreation. Thad also coaches a separate, but related, fencing team through the City of Charleston Recreation Department.
You can reach Thad at 843-697-1528 or ThadSensei@hotmail.com.
The Coaches and Parents: Thad Schmenk has been coaching for 4 years and an active fencer since 1992, including 4 years at the College of Charleston. Thad has worked with area coaches and a former national team member to improve his coaching skills. Ed Holcombe has been coaching for 4 years and has been an active fencer and supporter since 1950. Ed brings a breadth of knowledge and traditional values to the team. Reggie Fairchild, Christopher Donelly, and Rich Bodeck have been active volunteers since our club was established in 1995. Many other parents also actively support the team and fencers. With their efforts, much of what East of the Cooper has to offer young fencers would not be possible.
This blog is managed by Reggie Fairchild, a parent volunteer. You can reach Reggie at 843-259-1717 or ReggieFairchild@gmail.com.
=]
By: Zach on December 2, 2008
at 6:53 pm
Mr. Thad said my homework was to check out the website. So ha, Mr. Thad! I actually did my homework! =D
I loved the pictures from the in house tournament.
By: Savannah M. on February 12, 2009
at 5:00 pm
Please, would you be holding adult classes? If so, when, where, and costs involved? You may call me, if you wish. 843 735 9698
Sincerely,
Catherine
By: catherine on May 25, 2009
at 12:27 pm
Hi Catherine,
East of the Cooper Fencing generally only offers classes for parents of kids in the club. The parents fence along side the kids. You could talk to Thad Schmenk, the coach, about the possibility of other adult classes. There is also a group of adults who fence twice weekly in Charleston. They are called The Dueling Society of Charleston. They are organized and coached by William Rowland. They meet at Pivitol Fitness in West Ashley (Cosgrove exit) from 7-9 PM, on Wednesdays or Thursdays — I forget. On Sundays (weather cooperating), you can also find William and his crew at Waterfront Park, downtown Charleston at 4 p.m.
East of the Cooper Fencing is on summer recess right now and will return in the fall of 2009.
By: reggiefairchild on May 25, 2009
at 12:39 pm
I belive Thad’s number is incorrect as I tried to reach him and got a library. COC Recreation says its 697-1528.
Also, does anyone have a contact number for the Dueling Society? I believe I tried contacting them a year ago without success.
By: Jason Lemieux on August 3, 2009
at 2:33 pm
Hi Jason,
I have email from Thad on July 4, saying
Try those points of contact. The area code is 843.
By: reggiefairchild on August 4, 2009
at 9:37 am
my number is still 843-697-1528. you can also reach me at home at 216-3345. please be patient. school is starting and being the asst. principal creating the schedule this year, i am very busy. the best time to catch me is between 7-9 at night.
thanks!
By: thad on August 5, 2009
at 7:24 pm