Eric Soyka, National Parafencing Coach, on the Growth of Parafencing in the US
Season 2, Episode 15Guest: Eric Soyka — National Parafencing Coach, USA Fencing; Coach at Phoenix Center & Rogue Fencing AcademyWhat we coverOrigin story: two injured athletes, one suggestion—“try parafencing”—and a deep dive into rules, video, and best practicesHow far we’ve come: more media, more youth, and athletes sticking after the GamesInside the club: fitting a frame into a small space, building a culture of inclusion, “it’s just fencing (sitting down)”Paris 2024 lessons: qualification is the grind; the Games feel like a (very grand) world cup if you stick to processParafencing 101: same tactics, tighter distance, different angles; no passing, constant readiness; what’s actuallydifferent—and what isn’tMyth-busting & classification: A (more trunk control), B (less), C (arm/hand limitations; worlds only), and why some parafencers can walkBuilding a club program: frames, chairs, recruiting, coach ed, referee pathwaysLooking forward: increasing camps, cross-country training, and international collaboration as the qualifying cycle beginsHow to start a parafencing program (quick hits)Equipment & setupFrame: lock chairs safely (wood frames like Rick Swauger’s design work; ask about grants/lending programs)Chairs: sport-specific; typical cost $3k–$5k (seek grants like Challenged Athletes Foundation); ask Utah Fencing Foundation about distributing “Jed’s Chair.”Fit a frame into unused margins of your space; keep AB fencing running around itRecruitingContact local VA programs, rehab hospitals, adaptive sports orgs; lean on word of mouth in the disability communityStart for the community, not just the Games—rec athletes countCoach educationBasics are the same: extension is extension; “lunge” is trunk-driven; target/angles & distance management are the real adjustmentsEric will travel/advise; USFCA is developing resourcesRefereesContact Sean Shumate for the course; observations at Para NACs/para regionals are expanding (in-person and potential Zoom coursework)ContactsProgram start: email b.mahr@usafencing.org and e.soyka@usafencing.org so we can help and connect you locallyDevelopment priorities (per Eric)Grassroots: frames/chairs access, frame lending, coach visits, club start-up supportHigh performance: travel support and more frequent training camps (domestic & international), athlete meet-ups to raise daily training levelWarm-up ideas (for para & AB fencers)BlazePods / reactive drills for neuro + physical activationVector ball (color-react bounces) for quick decision and hand-eyeTimestamps0:00 — Parafencing’s pressure-cooker distance1:04 — How Eric found parafencing (and why he stayed)3:08 — Visibility and youth pipeline growth4:49 — Making a small club para-friendly6:33 — Paris ’24: the real gauntlet is qualifying10:30 — Similarities/differences: tactics, angles, distance, passing13:08 — Classifications A/B/C & a common myth15:19 — Obstacles for clubs: frames, chairs, recruiting—and solutions22:56 — Coach/ref pathways: USFCA, Para NAC courses, observations27:17 — The plan for LA → Brisbane: camps, access, collaboration29:56 — What GB (and Europe) have—and how we can adapt in the U.S.34:43 — Quick hits: where $100k would go, who to email, a go-to drill, one myth to retireQuotable“Parafencers are fencers. It’s the same.” — Eric Soyka“Qualification is harder than the Games—it’s month after month of performing, recovering, and doing it again.” — Eric SoykaCall to actionIf your club is ready to add parafencing, email b.mahr@usafencing.org and e.soyka@usafencing.org to get connected to frames, chairs, grants, coaches, and referee courses.CreditsHost: Bryan Wendell • Guest: Eric Soyka
--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn
