Dev Sathyan, a ninth grader at Bridgeland High School in Cypress, partnered with Alliance Fencing Academy to offer an introductory fencing class to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at ARC of Katy on January 5.

The ARC of Katy has provided resources and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since 1990.

After visiting The ARC with a scouting project, Sathyan saw that fencing could help IDD adult participants build confidence with movement. Sathyan worked with Fencing For a Purpose and developed the program for his Eagle Scout Project as a way of giving back and sharing what he has learned from fencing in a meaningful way.

“I want the project to show that fencing can be adapted for different abilities and be a tool for both physical and emotional growth,” Sathyan said.

Sathyan offered two classes at The ARC of Katy facility at 934 Jordan Ranch Blvd. in Brookshire. Each class lasted approximately two hours and accommodated 15 students each. Alliance Fencing Academy provided the USAF-approved gear for participants.

Sathyan is a regional officer for the non-profit Fencing For a Purpose whose mission is to expand participation in fencing, regardless of background or ability. Fencing For a Purpose has previously offered classes for neurodivergent children at Alliance Fencing Academy’s Katy facility.

Alliance Fencing Academy is one of the largest fencing academies in the United States with over 400 students and has facilities in Katy at 11555 Gaston Road, Unit C, as well as in Houston and The Woodlands.