From Schools to Swords: Cultivating Jordan’s Next Generation of Fencers

In Jordan, the sport of fencing has long remained on the sidelines—especially among children. Limited awareness, a shortage of trained youth coaches, minimal parental engagement, and the absence of structured school programs created an environment where the sport struggled to grow. Recognizing this gap, Suhaib Derawi launched a national initiative to introduce fencing to young children and build a sustainable foundation for its future. The project, From Schools to Swords, set out to transform fencing from a niche sport into an accessible, engaging activity for Jordan’s youth.

The initiative focused on children aged 7–9, a critical developmental stage for learning coordination, discipline, and foundational athletic skills. One of its core goals was to increase participation by integrating fencing directly into school sports programs. This required not only equipment and facilities but also trained coaches capable of teaching children in a fun, age-appropriate way. To address this, national team athletes were offered a specialized coaching course, preparing them to transition into youth coaches and strengthening the pipeline of qualified instructors.

The program’s structure emphasized both technical learning and playful engagement. A tailored curriculum introduced fencing fundamentals through interactive, game-based methods, helping children master basic footwork, blade control, and coordination while staying motivated. Visual and educational materials supported coaches in delivering consistent, high-quality sessions across schools.

Ten schools joined the initiative, with three adopting regular weekly training sessions. By the end of the cycle, 60 children were actively participating—exceeding the original target of 50. Their enthusiasm quickly grew beyond the classroom; many independently watched fencing videos, researched athletes, and practiced techniques at home, demonstrating genuine interest sparked by the program.

The project also revealed the critical role of parents in sustaining youth sports. Through WhatsApp groups, parents shared feedback, expressed pride in their children’s progress, and increasingly supported their participation. Their involvement became a driving force that encouraged schools to consider long-term adoption of fencing as an extracurricular activity. Several schools even expressed interest in self-funding future programs—an encouraging sign for sustainability.

A major milestone was the organization of Jordan’s first national schools fencing competition, held on March 12, 2025. This event not only celebrated the children’s progress but also showcased the rising momentum of fencing within the education sector. It brought together students, teachers, parents, and sport officials, further strengthening partnerships with the Jordan Olympic Committee and the Jordan Fencing Federation.

Overall, the project demonstrated that fencing can flourish in Jordan when presented through accessible programming, engaging instruction, and strong community support. Children gained confidence and foundational skills, parents became active advocates, and young coaches received valuable hands-on experience. Most importantly, the initiative established a scalable model for future expansion.

Looking ahead, the plan includes continued integration of fencing into school activities, annual coaching courses, expansion into additional regions, and the long-term development of a national school fencing league. With growing visibility and institutional backing, fencing in Jordan is no longer a distant dream—it is becoming a vibrant and sustainable sport for the next generation.