Fence your way to fitness in Schaumburg

Posted February 09, 2016 10:00 pm

By Geneva Slupski Schaumburg Park District

The Schaumburg Park District now offers fencing. James Monroe, 10, watches as Edward Halupka, 8, faces off with Alexandra Lu, 10. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District

While teaching his younger students to fence, Vladimir Lapshin sometimes has to remind them they're wielding foils, not lightsabers.

"You took a step forward," the Russian native said, stopping a bout between two youngsters during a recent Schaumburg Park District fencing class. "Then you started doing 'Star Wars.'"

Lapshin has taught the sport for 13 years. A fencer on the national team in Kyrgyzstan from 1991 to 1999, Lapshin today teaches through the Fencing Center of Chicago in Park Ridge.

"Fencing is less action on the blade and more footwork," he said. "You're trying to put distance between yourself and your partner."

Offered to participants ages 8 and older, fencing is making a comeback this year at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. Instructors provide the equipment, which includes protective gear and foils - weapons featuring light, flexible blades made from low-carbon steel.

The object of fencing is to score more points than your opponent within a limited amount of time. Points are earned by making a touch in an opponent's target area, according to USA Fencing.

"With the CRC renovations completed in November, we thought this was a great time to use the new space and bring fencing back," said Derek Radek, athletics supervisor. "This is a unique program that offers patrons the chance to try an Olympic sport."

On a snowy Monday evening, Lorna Monroe and her two children, James, 10, and Camille, 13, donned black masks, picked up their foils, and faced off in a series of bouts.

"I've wanted to try fencing for a long time," said Monroe of Schaumburg. "I've always been interested in history and old movies that had fencing. It's a romantic sport that involves a dance and is fun to learn."

Fencing works multiple muscle groups and keeps children active and healthy, Lapshin said.

"I love introducing kids to fencing," he said. "I don't even call it a job. It's more a hobby."

After removing her mask and fencing jacket, Lorna Monroe joked she was no match for her children when it came to battling with foils.

"They beat me," she said with a laugh. "Fencing is a good workout and a fun sport to learn with the family."

Upcoming fencing classes include: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 15-March 21, and 6-7 p.m. Mondays, April 4-May 9.

For information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit www.parkfun.com.

The Schaumburg Park District now offers fencing classes. Instructor Vladimir Lapshin demonstrates a move to Edward Halupka, 8. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District

From left, Camille Monroe, 13, and James Monroe, 10, Edward Halupka, 8, and Nicholas Kamizelich, 10, practice fencing moves with Instructor Vladimir Lapshin, center, in a new program offered by the Schaumburg Park District. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District

The Schaumburg Park District now offers fencing. Lorna Monroe faces off with Faro Abbate, 9. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District

The Schaumburg Park District now offers fencing. Edward Halupka, 8, faces off with Alexandra Lu, 10. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District

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