Photo Credit: CFISDEducation
Fencing Builds Confidence and Joy at The ARC of Katy
On January 5, 2026, Dev Sathyan, a Cypress ninth grader at Bridgeland High School, partnered with Alliance Fencing Academy to host a unique introductory fencing experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at The ARC of Katy. What began as an Eagle Scout service project became a powerful demonstration of inclusion, confidence-building, and joy through sport.
The ARC of Katy, which has provided resources and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1990, welcomed participants for two fencing sessions designed to make the sport accessible and engaging for all ability levels. Each two-hour class introduced basic fencing movements, footwork, and safety in a supportive and encouraging environment.
For many participants, the experience was deeply meaningful. One participant shared, “I want to fence to make my mom proud,” while another described the session simply as “the best day.” Throughout the day, smiles, laughter, and growing confidence filled the room as participants took on new challenges and celebrated their accomplishments.
The idea for the program grew after Sathyan visited The ARC of Katy as part of a scouting project and met with ARC of Katy Day Coordinator Sandi Dancel. Through those conversations, he recognized how fencing could help IDD adults build confidence through structured movement. For his Eagle Scout Project, Sathyan worked alongside Fencing For a Purpose to develop a program that demonstrated how fencing can be adapted to meet different abilities.
“I wanted the project to show that fencing can be adapted for different abilities and be a tool for both physical and emotional growth,” said Sathyan.
The event was supported by volunteers from ARC of Katy & Alliance Fencing Academy, including several of Sathyan’s club mates who joined him in teaching and encouraging participants. Volunteers included Nikhil Khanna, co-founder of Fencing For a Purpose; Maximus Dade, an Alliance fencer; and Dhruv Sathyan, Dev Sathyan’s younger brother and a fellow Alliance Fencing Academy athlete. Their teamwork and hands-on guidance helped create a welcoming and high-energy environment throughout the sessions.
Sathyan serves as a regional officer for Fencing For a Purpose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to fencing regardless of background or ability. The organization has previously offered fencing programs for neurodivergent children & helped Sathyan shape & plan this program for ARC of Katy.
Alliance Fencing Academy, one of the largest fencing academies in the United States with more than 400 students and locations in Katy, Houston, and The Woodlands, provided USA Fencing–approved equipment and volunteer support to ensure a safe and authentic fencing experience.
The success of the program left a lasting impression on participants, families, and volunteers alike, highlighting how adaptive sports can foster confidence, inclusion, and meaningful connection.
Learn More Here
Alliance Fencing Academy: www.Alliance-Fencing-Academy.com
ARC of Katy: https://www.thearcofkaty.org/about
Fencing for a Purpose: https://fencingforapurpose.org/
Source: CFISD
