Circle d'EscrimeSellersville, PA
Fencing is one of only four sports to be included in every modern Olympic Games, since the first in 1896 -however the sport is much older than that. Fencing is a centuries old sport that developed out of warfare and dueling. In fact Circle d’Escrime was founded in Europe in the early 1600’s as a dueling school. Today, instead of dueling, we teach the art and sport of fencing.
At Circle d’Escrime students can train for competition or fence recreationally. Age is no barrier; our fencers range in age from pre-teen to senior citizen. Fencing is also one of the rare sports where men and women can compete as equals. Fencers rely on strategy and finesse rather than brute force which is why fencing is often compared to chess. It promotes balance, coordination and self-discipline. It is also an excellent cross training sport.
Maitre d’Armes (Fencing Master) Thomas Harding is a former Lafayette College fencing coach who has trained extensively in the United States and the former Soviet Union. He is a former Vice-chairman of the Philadelphia Division of the United States Fencing Association and is also a member of the United Stated Fencing Coaches Association. In 1990 he was awarded the Soviet Candidate-Master of Sports Medallion. A year later he received the Soviet Master of Sports Medallion- a rare honor, especially for an American. The staff includes; Roberta Harding Monitor d’armes, Brian Murphy Prevot to the Master/Instructor, Karen Zeigler Monitor d’armes and Armourer and instructors Mike Delany, Greg Gangi, Eric Green, Josh Moyer, Mark Nolan, Eric Schmoyer and Betsy Verheggen.
Our Salle d’Armes is located at 111 North Branch Street in the borough of Sellersville. The Salle has four Olympic length strips wired for electric scoring and over 2500 square feet of fencing space. We welcome you to observe our classes.