2024 Paris Olympics sparks fencing craze in HK: What are the costs for beginners?

Following the gold medal victories of Hong Kong fencers Vivian Kong Man Wai and Edgar Cheung Ka Long at the Paris Olympics, the city is experiencing a resurgence in interest in fencing.

The Operations Director of the Asian Fencing College - Hong Kong reported a significant increase in inquiries about fencing courses, with over 120 inquiries received in just one day as of July 30. Among these inquiries, approximately 30 individuals have signed up for classes, including both children and adults.

Media outlets have been reaching out to various fencing training institutions in Hong Kong and have found a substantial rise in enrollment and inquiries since Vivian Kong's victory. Many parents are seizing the opportunity to introduce their children to the sport during the summer break. In response, several training organizations are adding classes or hiring additional coaches to meet the growing demand.

Cost of Classes: 4 to 6 Sessions Under HKD 2,000

The principal of the Hong Kong Fencing School revealed that on the day Vivian Kong won her medal, the school received over 20 inquiries, primarily focused on the foil event in which she competed.

He noted that while there was a significant increase in student enrollment three years ago following the Tokyo Olympics, this time, the growth may not be as dramatic since many individuals have already tried fencing.

The principal described the previous influx of students as "coming fast and leaving quickly," with many realizing that fencing is more challenging than it appears.

Within a year, student numbers had decreased by 10%, as many participants initially imagined themselves as the next Edgar Cheung but soon learned the time and financial commitment required.

The cost for 4 to 6 fencing lessons is under HKD 2,000. However, beginners aiming to compete will need to invest in fencing gear, ranging from over HKD 2,000 to over HKD 6,000, plus a minimum of three practice sessions per week, which deters many potential participants.

Increased Enrollment at Fencing Academies

The founder of the Academy of Fencing (Hong Kong) mentioned that they currently receive about 5 to 6 new enrollments daily, a significant increase from the usual monthly average of around 10 new students.

He noted that the impact of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 was substantial, and this year's two gold medals are similarly iconic, likely further boosting interest in fencing among Hong Kong residents.

He also pointed out that some parents mistakenly believe that having their children use their left hand, like Edgar Cheung, would be advantageous; however, he emphasized that the dominant hand typically offers better instinctive responses.

Po Leung Kuk Riverain Primary School incorporated fencing into its physical education curriculum in 2019. The principal stated that more students are interested in joining the fencing team after experiencing the sport during classes.

She believes the recent Olympic gold medals will further enhance the enthusiasm for fencing. The school is also opening its fencing facilities for use by various organizations and groups, noting an increase in demand for space in recent years. She hopes the government will assist more schools and organizations in establishing related facilities to support the development of this promising sport.

Rising Stars

The head coach of the Hong Kong fencing team estimated that there are about 40 registered fencing clubs in the region, which is remarkable given the population size, reflecting the sport's popularity in Hong Kong.

He believes that the emergence of future fencing stars is imminent. "We have been building our adult, youth, and junior teams for many years, so I believe that in time, we will see more talents like Vivian Kong and Edgar Cheung. I hope our team continues to grow stronger, not just with one or two stars but many."

46 Training Institutions Under the Fencing Association

Since the start of the 21st century, specialized fencing training institutions have begun to emerge in Hong Kong. Edgar Cheung's historic Olympic victory has led to a rapid growth of fencing training facilities.

Currently, 46 fencing training organizations are affiliated with the Hong Kong Fencing Association. Various schools, including the Asian Fencing Academy, Hong Kong Fencing Academy, and Fencing Formula, offer a range of fencing courses, making it an ideal time for children to experience the joy of fencing during the summer.

Senior fencing coaches have introduced programs for different age groups. The "Toddler Fencing Class" for ages 4 to 6 focuses on developing hand-eye coordination, cognitive skills, and concentration through games and practical exercises to foster an interest in the sport. The "Children's Fencing Class" for ages 7 to 10 emphasizes strategic thinking and adaptability, incorporating technical and tactical training and physical conditioning. The "Youth Fencing Class" for ages 11 and up teaches advanced footwork, techniques, and tactics while focusing on mental resilience, preparing students to face challenges with the right attitude.

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