Fencing is a unique combat sport that helps kids to build athleticism, strategy, and creativity. It's a sport that rewards quick thinking, perseverance, and imagination which are qualities that can carry into every part of life! I always felt that fencing was the sport for people who may think sports "aren't" for them. 

So what's the catch? The biggest barrier for fencing is equipment. I want to make sure students have the opportunity to practice with proper equipment. 

I first discovered fencing at my public high school, Abraham Lincoln in San Francisco (pictured above was my high school team). 

My main career is teaching physics at Santa Cruz High. I have always been in love with teaching and I attribute a lot of it to fencing at UC Santa Cruz. Since I was a freshman at UCSC, I would be the foil student coach for all 5 years I was there. Even returned as an assistant coach briefly and now help run the college fencing league. To watch other people have the same joy, the same feeling I had when fencing is what I want to bring. Every day my students would learn about my hobbies and interests. I always bring up fencing and they are fascinated by it and wanted to know when Santa Cruz High would have a fencing team! Turns out they did! In 1983. Since then, I continue to compete, work as an armorer, and/or referee at local, regional, and national events.

By helping us, you’re giving students the chance to:

• Try a thrilling, fast-paced sport that few get access to.

• Build confidence and creativity through competition.

• Learn discipline, strategy, and teamwork in a new setting.

• Compete amongst other fencing schools in the bay area

• Fencing is also a NCAA sport and is another avenue for students to explore competition.

Estimated Prices per student

If you are interested in donating fencing gear (anything suitable for high schoolers), please reach out to tysonvan@sccs.net and I can try and arrange a pick up or drop off. I will take a variety of items from spare parts to broken things you don't want to fix!

Our ultimate goal is to be a part of a fencing league in the bay area and compete against local schools that also have a fencing club. We are looking to electrify so we are also interested in gear of that sort as well!

With gratitude,

Tyson Van

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