by
Tyler Skidmore
PHS Press staff member
Gerald
Benford, a man of 50, teaches fencing at a homeschool co-op named Planet Homeschool.
He has been Fencing since the 1980’s, in highschool and then college.
Benford’s
Grandmother sponsored Maria, who was trained in Cuba to Fence. Maria is known
as "The Mad Cuban." She and Benford started dating and Maria taught
him how to Fence. They got married in the 1990’s.
“ Fencing is one of
those few sports where you actually compete one on one. You are testing your
skills against another opponent in mock battle. Its more of an art than a self defensive sport. I like it
because you develop long lasting relationships [ / ] friendships by the sword,
“ said
Benford.
He encouraged Maria to start a Fencing
business, and they eventually started Minnesota Swordplay in 2000. Minnesota
Swordplay has locations all over Minnesota and Wisconsin.
They plan
on opening a U.S.F.A ( U.S. Fencing Association ) club in Minnetonka. The
website is minnesotaswordplay.com.
They were
referred to teach at Planet Homeschool as a Fencing instructor.
Benford’s
favorite book is the Bible, and his favorite pastime is ministry. Benford
majored in business in college.
They have
been in Fencing matches on TV and overseas, and plan on traveling all over
Europe this summer for fun.
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