fencing.jpg

The Staten Island Fencing Club will be hosting an 'open house' on Saturday for anyone interested in the sport.

(S.I. Advance File Photo/Derek Alvez)

If "Game of Thrones" has rekindled your curiosity about sword play, or if your children have wanted to try their hand at the sport through movies like "The Princess Bride" or "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the Staten Island Fencing Club is the place to go.

On Saturday, June 18, the SIFC is hosting an "open house" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in its new air-conditioned digs at 101 Ellis Street (off of Arthur Kill Road) in Pleasant Plains.

Visitors will get a taste with a free demo lesson; will be able to watch fencing videos; will have the chance to handle the weapons (foils, sabres and epees); and can participate in the scheduled Saturday program.

While all are welcome -- from experienced fencers to those who have never picked up a blade -- the event will not only serve as a gateway to the sport but also as an introduction to the SIFC's many summer programs.

Primarily, the SIFC wants to get the word out about its sixth annual Summer Camp for youngsters. Age divisions for the camp range from Mini-Musketeers (ages 5-8) to Beginner/Intermediate (pre-high school age) to High School Competition Prep.

The Beginner/Intermediate Camp will run from July 11-15; the HS Competition Prep from July 18-22; and the Mini-Musketeers Camp will run from July 25-29. Camp sessions will go from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The SIFC has also just started a six-week High School Evening Training Camp, which will run from July 6 to Aug. 12, with sessions that last from 7 to 9 p.m.

Fees for all programs include use of SIFC equipment.

"The Mini-Musketeer program is designed to build confidence, coordination, agility and preparation for the sport of fencing," said SIFC founder and head instructor Steve Khinoy, an internationally certified coach who also began the fencing programs at Tottenville and McKee/S.I. Tech. "There will also be specifically designed games; contests; cognitive instruction; and exercises to build teamwork and competitive spirit in tandem."

Camp programs for the older kids include stretch and warm-up; preliminary games; footwork; blade work; conditioning; video; strategic development; technical and tactical exercises; individual lessons; situational bouting; free fencing; and competition.

The schedule for Saturday: The Mini-Musketeers will take the floor at 10, the Youth class at 11, the Beginners at noon, and open fencing afterward.

For more information, call 718-605-6789 or email info@sifencing.org.