Fencing Fest gives Belton residents a chance to try the sport

March 13, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

Belton Journal

At the Spring Fencing Fest on Saturday, March 8, people in Belton got to try fencing for themselves at the Harris Community Center. Swordplay Recreational Fencing hosted Saturday’s free event to give people a chance to try fencing and learn how to join local classes.

Coach Jo Tye, who runs the fencing program, said the event was a way to introduce more people to the sport since it’s usually more popular on the East and West Coasts.

“It is an expensive sport to get into, so this is a way to let the community know, hey, we do have fencing here," Tye said.

Swordplay Recreational Fencing has been operating in Belton for three years, in addition to a Harker Heights program that Tye has coached for a decade. The organization offers recreational fencing, teaching students foil, épée, and saber, with an emphasis on discipline and technique.

“We start everybody with foil so that it’s not a wild ‘let’s get out and play, hit, and slap’ situation,” Tye said. “They learn different parry positions, attack styles, footwork, and blade work.”

 The event welcomed attendees ages 7 and up, including adults. Many parents brought their children to explore the sport for the first time.

Susan Gibson, grandmother of Harper and Abigail Park, said she found the event while looking for spring break activities.

“I think it takes a lot of control to do it,” Gibson said. “I’m just exposing them to something new.”

Fencer Katelynn Jongaons first started fencing in Harker Heights before moving to the Belton program, where her mom later became a coach.

"It relieves a lot of stress. You get your anger out,” Jongaons said. “My advice to beginners is to try your best and always aim for the target."

Tye said that many students, especially homeschoolers, use fencing for P.E. credit, as the program offers take home drills and exercises. While it is not a competitive program, Swordplay Recreational Fencing hosts three tournaments a year—spring, summer, and fall.

A common misconception, Tye said, is that fencing swords are sharp.

“Like we’re going to give a seven year-old a sharp blade and tell them to go cut each other,” Tye joked.

For those interested in continuing fencing, the Belton class meets on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., while the Harker Heights class meets on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration is available through local parks and recreation programs, and a QR code was provided at the event for sign-ups.

For more information about Swordplay Recreational Fencing, visit their Facebook page: Swordplay Harker Heights/Belton Recreational Fencing, or contact Coach Jo Tye at (254) 681-9009.