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• Improves speed, agility, flexibility, reflexes, and cardiovascular conditioning

• Enhances integrity, sportsmanship, and desire to excel

• Increases discipline, focus, and concentration

• Develops strategic thinking and decision-making skills

First Grade students will be practicing with their classmates at the school, once a week. The program will be designed and overseen by fencing master Steve Kaplan, an Olympian, national champion, and owner of the Coobra Fencing Club in Jersey City. The classes will be led by master Willy Loyola. During each class, each fencer receives both group and one-on-one instruction. Each fencer progresses at his/her own pace. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes will be available at the club for AOE kindergarten alumni or those who would like to master the skill this year more than once a week. Your child will be advancing from one level to the next based on the instructor’s assessment, competition participation, and results. Every June, AOE will be organizing the Cobra end-of-the-year competition for the AOE student to commemorate their first year of fencing.