Kate Altschuler -
“It has gotten Jay excited about doing something physical again. It has given him a goal to work toward and also has been a fun social experience.”
Liz Davidson, Age 15 -
“Guard Up’s facility is also a big, fantastic place and at a great location (right next to the Mall!). My mom loves it because she can hang out in the nice lobby and watch me train through the big windows, or she can go shopping. The instructors are so helpful and approachable; they really want the students to learn concentration, strength and speed.”
Laurel Lhowe-
“Brendan has never stuck with any activity longer than the ACE class before… so you must be doing something right.”
Gayle Edson -
“Fencing is the only activity that Christina has stayed with. [The instructors] are patient and nice. Guard Up has also been very accommodating with the schedule.”
Toby Hartranft, Age 15 -
“Before I started training in fencing and foam weapons, I did not really have much self confidence, and I was looked down on by a lot of people. Nowadays, however, I am revered among my peers as a sort of gentlemen, simply because I fence, and it’s nice to no longer have some certain ruffians on my chest anymore.”
Laurie Yengo-Kahn -
“The instructor listens to the students… is very positive, and play’s a lot of games, and can turn everything into a game, which is more fun than just drilling.”
Laura Giannangelo -
“(At Guard Up) I found a wonderful, total body and mind, unique way of getting exercise. Guard Up has really good instructors because they are patient and explain things well. They give visuals and why things work.”
Colleen Humphreys -
“Beth and Teddy adore the classes and it feels like they’ve died and gone to heaven.”
Jessica von Hippel -
“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.”
Rebecca Gruber -
“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.”