In Petaling Jaya, a leafy suburb of Kuala Lumpur a unique blend of languages, lunges, and laughter echoes through Touche Fencing Club. Here, amidst the clang of foils and the rhythmic shuffle of feet, students from across the globe are not only mastering the art of fencing but also sharpening their English skills in surprising and inspiring ways.
What do parents need to know about sports and learning English?
Fencing, often perceived as an elite European sport, has gained steady traction in Malaysia and across Asia not just for its athletic merits but also for its unexpected academic and linguistic benefits. For students learning English as a second language (ESL), fencing offers more than just physical agility, it opens doors to friendship, communication, and even top-tier universities.
According to the British Council, over 125,000 international students choose Malaysia as their study destination annually, drawn by affordable tuition, cultural diversity, and strong English language education. But many ESL learners still struggle to find fun, immersive ways to practice their English outside the classroom.
That’s where fencing comes in.
“Fencing is not just a sport, it’s a language in itself,” says Coach Mok, who is the Director of Coaching at Touche Fencing Club. “You have to communicate with your teammates, understand instructions, and strategize, all in English. It’s a natural and fun way to build confidence.”
Indeed, the club is home to students from over 12 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and China. The shared goal of mastering footwork and weapon control creates an instant bond, fostering friendships that transcend language and nationality.
“Many of our students don’t speak English at home,” adds Coach Mok. “But when they’re here, they have to speak English to train, to ask questions, and to cheer each other on. They learn without even realizing it.”
The benefits are more than anecdotal. A 2021 study by the University of British Columbia found that ESL students who participated in extracurricular activities such as sports showed a 32% increase in language retention and conversational fluency compared to their peers who focused solely on classroom learning.
At Touche, the results speak for themselves. Parents report not only improved communication skills but also noticeable boosts in discipline, focus, and self-esteem, qualities that make a difference both in and out of the classroom.
Fencing also carries academic prestige. As a sport recognized by Ivy League schools and many top universities in the U.S. and U.K., it can enhance a student’s college application significantly. “We’ve had students who went on to top schools abroad,” says Coach Mok proudly. “Fencing can be an academic stepping stone not just in sport, but in life.”
Malaysia, with its growing community of English-speaking educators and international sports programs, offers a fertile ground for such growth. Institutions like Touche Fencing Club provide more than a place to train, they offer a bridge between cultures, a platform for learning, and a springboard for future success.
In a world that’s increasingly connected yet often divided by language, fencing offers a unique solution: a way to learn, connect, and grow, one bout at a time.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills with foil, épée or sabre while making new friends, it’s clear that in this Petaling Jaya club has set a new benchmark. The greatest victories aren’t just on the scoreboard but in the friendships forged and the languages learned along the way.
Touche Fencing Club is the first independent private club established in Malaysia since 1992. With a clear vision to be the centre of fencing excellence in promoting the art of modern fencing. With a mission to develop fencers to their maximum potential. While providing fencers with integrated curriculum comprised of competitive opportunities, international exposure and participation in a global learning experience. The club is well established in the country’s fencing landscape.
For more information visit www.ToucheFencingClub.com or check out some of the fun on Instagram or Facebook.