I searched high and low for a good program that will be of interest to my children. [Guard Up is] a great program to help children enhance many skills such as fine gross motor and motor skills, eye and hand coordination, increasing confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. This program enables them to work in teams to be better team players and to learn about negotiating as well.  Above all, it is such great exercise for the children and they are making friends and having great fun.  It gives each and every child a sense of belonging and makes them feel happy.  What perfect opportunity for them to go to Guard Up where children can enjoy being in an environment that is stimulating and empowering with trusted supervision from competent staff members. A program such as this helps to shape children in a positive way that is beneficial to every child. A big thank you to all the staff for being most professional, most patient and most kind.  We will see you soon once we get settled.  Thank you again for sharing this with us and for making my family be a part of this. Our boys love Guard Up! Kudos to a great job at Guard Up!

Respectfully,

Maria Graffeo – Pustizzi

I have to admit that I was a little nervous about all this swordfighting at first – was this experience going to make my daughter overly aggressive? Was she going to come home covered with bruises? But I was very relieved and pleased with how it went. Staff were very clear with campers about appropriate and inappropriate sparring, campers were well supervised, and the rule against striking in anger was very strictly enforced. My daughter had a wonderful time and can’t wait to return!

“You bring out the best in all kids.”

It’s so great to have a place that is equally fun, safe, and responsible with the kids.”

“The Leadership Program is a great opportunity for Andrew, even though he is young. Guard Up is very well priced, very kind and courteous. More places should be like you.”

“Most people think we’re crazy for driving so far, but I explain to them that you guys are the only place around that take kids that young and that Dana loves it and is having a ball!”

All of my children have taken classes at Guard Up and loved the experience. The group of homeschoolers we join weekly to participate in these swordsmanship classes all have told me that each week their children can’t wait for the next class. My boys aren’t interested in taking any other organized classes and several of their friends too, have said they are only interested in classes offered at Guard Up. The place is warm and inviting, and the instructors are terrific! They really know how to play with the kids and teach them through interactive games that thoroughly engage their minds and bodies. The exercise they get is a big part of why we sign up every winter. These kids are getting an hour or more of intense cardiovascular exercise, the instructors keep them running nonstop, and they love it! Thank you Guard Up!”

“The personal connection my son has developed with his [Guard Up] teachers has fostered his self-confidence which in turn has generated a true desire to learn and develop his fencing skills.”

“Eric has tried fencing and other sports but wasn’t coordinated enough so he loves the ACE class because his movements don’t have to be so precise. His upper body strength and confidence have improved because of the class. I think the instructor is great because he’s creative and inspires and engages the kids.”

“Beth and Teddy adore the classes and it feels like they’ve died and gone to heaven.”