Kneeling Pool Noodle Fencing

Adapted fencing bouts in pairs, kneeling on yoga mats with pool noodles, where students score by touching the opponent's torso and defend with parries. It works safe one-on-one competition, reaction time, decision-making and respect for the opponent.

How to play

1. Make 12 pairs kneeling face to face on mats 5 ft apart; any extra student starts as referee. Teach the salute and the kneeling en garde position (3 min).
2. Slow touches (3 min): A points to a spot on their torso and B touches it slowly with the tip of the noodle; switch every 5 touches.
3. Parries (3 min): A attacks in slow motion, and B deflects with their noodle and answers with a touch.
4. Bouts (8 min): each lasts 1 minute or 3 touches. After every touch, call 'En garde!' and restart. When a bout ends, the winner rotates one mat to the right and the referee steps in.
5. Wrap-up (3 min): final salute to the opponent and a quick share on which parries worked.

Rules

• Only touches to the torso, shoulders to waist, count, and they must be touches, not swings.
• Safety: no contact with the head or neck; if it happens, the bout stops and the point goes to the opponent.
• Knees stay on the mat; a touch made while rising does not count.
• Always hold the noodle by one end with one hand.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student fences seated in a chair against a seated partner.
• Students with autism: preview the contact with the slow demonstration and start with a trusted partner.
• Skill level: the stronger fencer of a pair uses only the non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Attack and defend with control in a one-on-one situation.
• Choose when to attack by reading the opponent's guard.
• Show respect through the salute and fair play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 13
• yoga mats: 26

Teacher tip

Cut long noodles in half so they are easier to control while kneeling. The opening and closing salute is not a formality; it sets the respectful tone for the whole activity.

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