Abstract

Currently no formal, recognized system exists within the fencing community for teaching Deaf athletes the sport of Olympic-style fencing. In the absence of such a system, this article offers an innovative visual signaling system for teaching the sport. This article examines the current state of the sport of fencing, and then proposes a system for providing visual cues and other visual input for teaching the sport to the Deaf population. A sample lesson demonstrating the proposed visual signaling system is included. Although the proposed system is designed primarily to accommodate teaching the sport in the regular fencing environment, the Deaf K–12 educational environment is also examined in terms of special accommodations and any adaptations to teaching methods for these students.