Welcome Class

The Welcome Class is designed to give children an energetic and enjoyable introduction to Little Musketeers while establishing the key fencing foundations that will be developed throughout the course. For returning children, it provides an opportunity to refresh familiar skills, while new children can quickly become comfortable with the equipment, terminology and structure of the sessions.

The class begins with Sword Chaser, a lively opening game designed to get everyone moving and engaged from the outset. It introduces children to using and moving around swords in a fun environment while developing spatial awareness, reactions, agility and listening skills. It is also a great opportunity for the coach to establish expectations around safe movement and sword control without making the introduction feel overly formal.

Position & Movement 1 introduces the fundamental fencing position and basic footwork. Children begin learning how to stand correctly and move forwards and backwards using controlled advances and retreats, with an emphasis on balance, posture and keeping the correct distance between their feet. These foundations will be revisited and progressively developed throughout the course.

Hoop Elimination V1 puts some of these early movement and reaction skills into a competitive game. Children need to listen, react quickly and make good decisions, while becoming accustomed to performing a skill with other children around them. Keep the atmosphere light and encouraging, particularly for children experiencing their first session.

Attack & Defend – 2 Lines provides an early introduction to the relationship between attacking and defending. Working in two lines allows children to practise taking turns in both roles, beginning to understand distance, timing, reactions and when to attack or respond, while reinforcing controlled sword use.

The Fencer & Coach 1 section introduces the format that will become an important part of future sessions. Children have the opportunity to put their developing fencing skills into practice while another child takes on the coaching role. This gently introduces observation, communication and learning from one another, as well as helping children understand that fencing involves thinking and decision-making alongside physical technique.

The session finishes with Red Light/Green Light V1, bringing together listening, concentration, reactions and controlled movement in a simple and enjoyable game. It provides an energetic finish while reinforcing the importance of being able to start, stop and respond quickly to instructions.

Above all, the Welcome Class should leave children feeling confident, included and excited about coming back. Keep the emphasis on enjoyment and encouragement while introducing good habits from the beginning. The aim is not to perfect every technique in the first class, but to establish strong foundations and give every child a positive first experience of Little Musketeers.The Welcome Class is designed to give children an energetic and enjoyable introduction to Little Musketeers while establishing the key fencing foundations that will be developed throughout the course. For returning children, it provides an opportunity to refresh familiar skills, while new children can quickly become comfortable with the equipment, terminology and structure of the sessions.

The class begins with Sword Chaser, a lively opening game designed to get everyone moving and engaged from the outset. It introduces children to using and moving around swords in a fun environment while developing spatial awareness, reactions, agility and listening skills. It is also a great opportunity for the coach to establish expectations around safe movement and sword control without making the introduction feel overly formal.

Position & Movement 1 introduces the fundamental fencing position and basic footwork. Children begin learning how to stand correctly and move forwards and backwards using controlled advances and retreats, with an emphasis on balance, posture and keeping the correct distance between their feet. These foundations will be revisited and progressively developed throughout the course.

Hoop Elimination V1 puts some of these early movement and reaction skills into a competitive game. Children need to listen, react quickly and make good decisions, while becoming accustomed to performing a skill with other children around them. Keep the atmosphere light and encouraging, particularly for children experiencing their first session.

Attack & Defend – 2 Lines provides an early introduction to the relationship between attacking and defending. Working in two lines allows children to practise taking turns in both roles, beginning to understand distance, timing, reactions and when to attack or respond, while reinforcing controlled sword use.

The Fencer & Coach 1 section introduces the format that will become an important part of future sessions. Children have the opportunity to put their developing fencing skills into practice while another child takes on the coaching role. This gently introduces observation, communication and learning from one another, as well as helping children understand that fencing involves thinking and decision-making alongside physical technique. Pairs will not rotate and will focus on fencing the same opponents for the entire exercise. The Coach should demonstrate the 4 big mistakes - windscreen wiper swords; lazy poking; pirate fencing and moving sideways and this should form the basis of the children's half time discussion. 

The session finishes with Red Light/Green Light V1, bringing together listening, concentration, reactions and controlled movement in a simple and enjoyable game. It provides an energetic finish while reinforcing the importance of being able to start, stop and respond quickly to instructions.

Above all, the Welcome Class should leave children feeling confident, included and excited about coming back. Keep the emphasis on enjoyment and encouragement while introducing good habits from the beginning. The aim is not to perfect every technique in the first class, but to establish strong foundations and give every child a positive first experience of Little Musketeers.