“We have an instructor who is just outstanding. He came to us a while back and indicated he would be interested in teaching,” Collins said. “We interviewed him and got together to set up a schedule and started to do fencing classes. It’s been an outstanding program for us.”
Instructor Lorenzo Padrichelli, an Italian Fencing Master who has taught fencing in the U.S. and Europe, leads the classes. Padrichelli introduces new students to the concepts of fencing and provides instruction on technique of the activity as well as the foil, a fencing sword.
Classes are based on skill. There are youth and adult beginner classes, intermediate and competitive, as well as an advanced class.
“A lot of the people who have been in the classes with Lorenzo have competed elsewhere and have done pretty well,” Collins said, noting several competitions in Columbus.
The classes are intended for anyone over the age of 7, she said.
“We feel it’s a great experience for both youth and adults, it gives them a great exercise experience, and of course the goal is to improve balance, coordination and focus through the experience,” Collins said.
Fencing classes continue Mondays through the end of February from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Equipment rental is $20 per session for fencing jackets, masks, gloves and foil.
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