USA Fencing Coach Education

Amanda Stanec, Phd and I talk about what physical literacy is. Amanda majored in physical education, played soccer and later taught PE and coached soccer. She worked to support PE curriculum in Canada and was part of approving the Canadian definition of physical literacy. Physical literacy is confidence and competence to be physically active in a wide variety of environments (land, snow, ice and water) to benefit yourself and your community. Encompasses personal and social responsibility. It involves more than the fundamental movement patterns. What are the recommendations for kids in terms of physical literacy and how it is developed. Her company MoveLiveLearn seeks to bring together sports, health and PE folks. http://sportforlife.ca/qualitysport/physical-literacy/ Washington Post Article The Haves and Have Not's in Youth Sports Physical Literacy in Long-Term Athlete Development Twitter and Instagram: @movelivelearn Facebook.com/movelivelearn

Eric Holmgren is the owner of Gryphon Fencing Club in Placentia, CA. In this episode we discuss how Eric got into fencing and coaching. Eric discusses how he came to be involved in archery and add it to the club and how it helps his business. Eric also shares some of the creative ways he brings fencing out of the salle and into the public eye. www.gryhonfencing.com

A former elite fencer, Jeremy Summers went on to become a chiropractor who joined the USA Fencing staff as the director of sports medicine in 2015. Jeremy works with National Team members to provide health care services and consultations. He also coordinates the medical staff at all USA Fencing national events. We discuss his background as a fencer, including being an alternate to the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team and how an injury he suffered got him on the path to sports medicine. We discuss the acute and chronic injuries common in fencing along with tips for reducing the risk of suffering such injuries. The good news is that fencing is a relatively low injury sport. A key takeaway is to have a good strength and conditioning program and also to maintain mobility as we age. Jeremy also discusses finding a good sports medicine practitioner to treat your fencers (or yourself). Tip: look for a sports medicine specialization in a healthcare provider. Jeremy talks about the scope of practice of athletic trainers, chiropractors and medical doctors. We wrap up with some discussion on treating injuries like sprains and Jeremy gives several take home messages that you can start to use immediately.

Iris Zimmerman, Olympian and co-owner with her sister Felicia of the Rochester (NY) Fencing Club, is the guest for this podcast. She talks about her early start in fencing tagging along with her sister. Iris talks about swimming and gymnastics but how the dynamic nature of fencing really hooked her. She discusses having fun, laughing and dancing while fencing. Iris talks about how her coaches influenced her and reflects a bit on how fencing has changed in the past 30 years. She also shares her remembrances from the 2000 Olympics both the good and the not so good.