Fencing As A Family

Twins Take Inspiration From 'Legend Of Zelda'

Elizabeth Kirk, left, competes in a fencing match at the Northwest Arkansas Fencing Center in Bentonville. The Kirk family, which also includes Elizabeth’s 15-year-old twin sister, Olivia, operates the center, which currently has about 75 fencers.
Elizabeth Kirk, left, competes in a fencing match at the Northwest Arkansas Fencing Center in Bentonville. The Kirk family, which also includes Elizabeth’s 15-year-old twin sister, Olivia, operates the center, which currently has about 75 fencers.

It's strange to think a video game could be the inspiration behind an idea that has changed the lives of a Bentonville family. That's just the case with the Kirks.

Five years ago, twin sisters Elizabeth and Olivia Kirk, 15, loved playing video games like “Legend of Zelda.” Enjoying virtual sword fighting so much, they decided to make it a reality and began fencing at a studio in Springdale.

Fast-forward five years, and the Kirk family operates the Northwest Arkansas Fencing Center in Bentonville. The studio is home to about 75 fencers and a foundation that helps less fortunate children in Northwest Arkansas.

“It's crazy to think that it started with a video game and has turned into what it has,” said Laura Kirk, the twins' mother and executive director of the center.

When Elizabeth and Olivia began fencing, their parents Rick and Laura played the typical role of supportive parents, watching and cheering from the sidelines. After a year, the two grew to love the sport and decided to take a stab at it.

“It's important to (Elizabeth and Olivia), so it's important to us,” Rick said. “And to be able to do it together is really cool. I figured I'd never be as good as the girls, but at least I'd be a very big and aggressive target.”

For Elizabeth, who competes on the national circuit, her 6-foot-3 father has helped hone her skills when facing a larger, more menacing opponent. Laura's smaller frame has allowed Elizabeth to work on finesse. And in Olivia, who will begin competing again soon, she can face an opponent of equivalence.

“There's a lot of competition,” Elizabeth said. “My sister and I don't like to fence together because we hate losing to each other.”

Olivia admitted to being the weaker opponent at the moment but said she revels in the times she comes out victorious.

“I'm the underdog, but I'm always trying to figure out ways to win,” she said.

Rick hasn't seen too many hurt feelings over the twin rivalry, but with Olivia joining the competitive circuit soon, he knows that could change.

However, that’s one of the perks of being involved in the same sport as your children.

“It makes it easier to help them, and it makes it easier to understand their concerns,” Rick said. “It makes it easier to understand what they're going through.”

The twins tried a multitude of team sports before they found fencing, including basketball and soccer. But they found them to be too rough.

“And then they end up in sword fighting,” Rick said. “It's really kind of funny.”

While their parents' participation has helped the girls in countless ways, Rick said he and Laura have gotten just as much out of it.

“It's very humbling losing to your 15-year-old daughters,” Rick said.

Fencing together and running a studio and foundation has undoubtedly brought the Kirks closer. The family of four works to achieve competitive goals, but also to help other families in the area find the same love they have found for the unique sport of fencing.

And for Laura, fencing with her family has given her a rare opportunity.

“As a mom, when I fence with my kids, I'm so proud,” Laura said. “It's fascinating to watch their accomplishments and be a physical part of it by helping them practice and helping them get better.

“Here, the icing on the cake is I get to give medals out. So I'm handing my child a medal. I shake everyone's hand, but mine gets a handshake and a kiss.”

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