May 16, 2017

Meet Elle Hill of Hyde Park Fencing

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Hill.

Elle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my business nearly a year ago with a thought: “I want to work doing something that I love.” I searched through my hobbies; first piano, then writing, and began with fencing. I had fenced for over seven years and wanted to make the sport better known. Often, I would tell people that I fenced, and they would respond with confused glances, saying “You put up fences?” I settled on the idea and began by publicizing lessons through my school marketplace. I received an email a few days later asking for a trial lesson. From these, others saw me fence and took an interest. I offered group classes and private lessons throughout Hyde Park. My students grew in number over time. I eventually moved my main location to the University Church in Hyde Park, where they provided me with space and great support for my business. Currently, I conduct lessons and classes there and welcome new students every day.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely been difficult! In my first attempt at holding classes, I only had one student participate. This turned out to be a fun adventure, because she was a focused and motivated fencer. I continued to do lessons with her after the class, and she became an even more skilled fencer. If not for this struggle, I would not have met her, and I would not have eventually sought out a new space to hold my fencing lessons at the University Church.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hyde Park Fencing – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hyde Park Fencing provides fencing lessons and classes for all ages. Fencing is essentially sword fighting, and is not seen in many schools. Also, there are not very many Fencing clubs in the Chicago area. I am most proud of my diverse clientele. Anyone from age 5 to over 60 years old can take up fencing. It is never too late. It is also a very unique sport. It combines the mind and the body, which is unique for physical sports. I think holding lessons and classes in sword fighting is a distinctly distinguishing feature from other businesses that provide sports training. What other sport involves swords!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to hosting more classes and incorporating fencing into school programs in Hyde Park. My goal is to make fencing a more well-known sport, and to get more people to participate in it. It is a fun way to stay active, to train your mind, and it is a fun sport to compete in. Fencing deserves more love.

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