CBHS Fencing

Welcome to the CBHS Fencing Team's Website

The CBHS Swordsmen
"Indivisa Manent"

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Support CBHS Fencing
Purchase a Fencing Team Hat

One size fits all - $10 while supplies last!
(checks can be made out to CBHS Fencing)

Also, pick up a Brothers Crest Blazer Patch!

Front of Brothers Crest Blazer Patch Back of patch with "quick-attach" pins

This handsomely stitched blazer patch is a replica of the Brothers' Seal and is recognized by Brothers' Boys all around the world. These patches were produced by the CBHS fencing team to raise money to support the fencing program at the school. Our goal is to become a leading high school fencing team in the South, and one day to compete at the national level. We have much work to do to accomplish this, and we need your help to realize this dream. Please consider buying a patch to support the sport of fencing at CBHS. The cost: students & teachers - $7, alumni - $10, while supplies last.

To pick up your Brothers' Patch come to room 301 - alumni just email dfleming@cbhs.org

For the history of the Seal of the Christian Brothers
click here - http://www.lasalle2.org/English/Events/2000/03nov00b.php

Sean buys a Brothers Crest Patch and supports his school's team Kyle proudly sports his new blazer patch

Buy your Brothers Crest Patch today!

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CBHS Wins Runner-Up In 2006 State Championship
hosted by Baylor High School, Chattanooga

Pictures from the Young Blades 2006 Tournament
- An All High School Event -

The 2006 CBHS / MUS St. Michael's Cup Challenge

After both teams held inner-squad tournaments,
CBHS & MUS sent out their best to square off at mid-court

Cash wins and CBHS keeps the cup at home.
Well done David!

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Pictures from
The Vanderbilt Music City Open
Nashville, TN

The CBHS team arrives on the Vanderbilt campus

At times Brother fenced Brother

CBHS vs Peachtree Ridge H. S.

Kyle in the Epee event

Cash shows his speed

Although the competition was tough
we all had fun

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Purple Sock Test Day

Students test for the coveted Purple Socks
The written exam covering fencing knowledge - the dreaded conditioning test - the nerve-racking skills practicum - the fencing final

Hard earned Purple Socks
Well done Brothers!

Celebrating Gold Socks
earned at a USFA Tournament

Getting ready for the
Vanderbilt Music City Open

CBHS in possession of St. Michael's Cup

CBHS in possession of St. Michael's Cup
2005

A Brief History of Fencing

A few centuries ago in Europe, disputes were often settled by dueling with swords. Fencing was a way for individuals to prepare for these encounters. After dueling was outlawed, fencing grew in popularity as a sport of its own. It was chosen to be included in the first modern Olympics in 1896, and has been part of the games ever since. Fencing has grown in popularity in America over the past couple of decades (as we have recently seen in the 2004 Olympic games with the winning of a couple of medals for the US) and is now found on many college campuses and is making its way into High Schools across the country ... like CBHS.

CBHS Fencing Team
Moderator - Dr. Fleming, Instructor - Mr. Knowles, and Alumni - David Cash

Fencing Is Safe

Fencing, sanctioned by the United States Fencing Association, is a very safe and fun sport. People of all ages enjoy fencing. The foil is really not like a real military sword or dueling sword, it is a very thin and extremely flexible shaft that is used for scoring. There is nothing sharp on the foil. The fencing jacket that is worn is made of thick, canvas-like material to soften the opponents touches. The fencer's mask completely protects the face and neck as well from errant touches. Recently in speaking with Tom Knowles, a fencing instructor of thirteen years, founder of the Greater Memphis Fencers, and a member of the United States Fencing Coaches Association, he said, "I all my years as an instructor I have never seen a serious injury. The worst thing I have seen is a twisted ankle." He went on to add, "There is a far greater chance of injury playing football, soccer or baseball than fencing."

Kids Love Fencing!

As my eight year old pulled off of his fencing mask after a bout at the University of Memphis, he said with a huge grin on his face, "That's some of the most fun I've ever had! Let's do it again!" What boy has not grown up pretending to be a pirate, or one of the Three Musketeers, or Zorro himself? Why do they do it? Because it's fun. Some people are attracted to fencing because of its rich historical heritage, some like it because it keeps them physically fit, many enjoy its emphasis on chivalry, but many people fence just for the joy of it - because it's just plain fun. Fencing is a sport of skill, strategy and finesse. Someone once likened it to, "playing chess, except it's physical chess and moves along very, very quickly!"

Seaton is touched in a very close bout

Fencing Stresses Character Development

Fencing has a rich history of chivalry and good sportsmanship. Every bout begins with a salute of respect and ends with a handshake of gratitude. This sport promotes exemplary behavior as a dimension of the sport itself and the CBHS fencing team fully embraces this tradition. Self-control, poise, humility in victory and graciousness in defeat are all a part of fencing. Every CBHS swordsman will be expected to act as a gentleman. Any student showing a lack or respect toward others or the sport will be warned, suspended or even expelled from the team if that student will not embrace fencing spirit of good sportsmanship. Fencing is a gentlemen's sport. (For more information on this see "The CBHS Fencing Team Code of Conduct")

Fencing Encourages ...

Personal Character
Self-Discipline
Decisiveness
Physical Fitness
Responsibility
Self-Confidence
Strategic Thinking
Camaraderie

Team Captain David Cash
brings home St. Michael The Archangel's Cup in 2005

Fencing Can Be Competitive

Some enjoy fencing because of the tactical skills involved, some fence to stay in shape, others love the sense of camaraderie with other fencers, but some like the competition involved. A person can compete at whatever level they feel comfortable. While some fencers shutter at the thought of entering a tournament, others thoroughly relish the opportunity. Usually in different regions the USFA offers everything from club bouts, to school matches, to regional tournaments, even Junior Olympic opportunities. A person doesn't have to do this of course - they can fence just for fun, or they can test their skills through competition.

David Cash evades a thrust at the University of Memphis

The Goals of The CBHS Fencing Club

I. Character Development - growing as gentlemen
II. Quality Fencing - becoming technically skilled and proficient
III. Safety - encouraging safe practices and habits
IV. Camaraderie - developing a sense of CBHS club esprit de corps