Training for Adult beginners

You may have seen the films, Zorro, Three Musketeers, Prisoner of Zenda, and many others (even James Bond and Madonna got in on the act in Die Another Day), and felt the excitement and thrill that comes from those deftly manipulated blades!

It was Zorro (the 1950’s TV series…) that inspired me to start fencing at age 11. And I am still at it, as are many others, half a century later!

Now you too can learn the secrets of fencing, experience the exhilaration of the duel, and have fun and exercise at the same time!

We have courses to suit the absolute Novice and those wishing to return to fencing after a break. Fencing may look complicated but we break it down into easily learned chunks and you will be fencing by the end of your first session.

For those with no experience or have had a 5 year or more break from fencing

You will have a dedicated, qualified coach and all equipment will be provided

Our courses are 7.30 to 9.30 on Tuesdays

If you are not ready to commit to the full course you can attend the first night as a taster session for a small fee which is refunded if you sign to the course.

This is followed by eight weeks further training plus fencing up to the end of term! (Terms vary in length according to the school’s calendar)

The courses are designed so that you can miss one session. Missing two in a row will present you with a challenge to catch up but it is not impossible and we run a catch up lesson after the half term break.

A brief history of fencing (just the interesting bits)

An introduction to the different weapons

Safety (it’s very safe!)

Basics of fencing with the foil footwork: advancing, retiring, lunge, step-lunge, ballestra and how to lure your opponent onto your point!

Simple and compound attacks 

High and low level defences

Prises de fer (attacks on the blade)

About here we have a one week half term break

Introduction to refereeing

Introduction to electric fencing with the foil

Close quarter techniques (dealing with tall people!)

Meeting and getting to know the other members with some friendly fencing

Often we have time to include an introduction to epee and sabre

Join for just a £20 taster fee, followed by the balance of £88 if you continue OR pay for the whole course – £108 (£88 for concessions)

Concessions are for the unwaged, eg unemployed, university students, pensioners, part time workers but not zero hour contractors or those still at school.

AND you get 3 weeks FREE fencing the following term, meaning your course costs only £68!

Please note that ALL fencers will have to take out free introductory membership of British Fencing. This lasts for 90 days. More info in the registration process

Trainers, loose fitting trousers, trackies or stretch leggings, (NOT shorts), T-Shirt (perhaps bring a dry one for the trip home), something to drink, squash or water. And lots of enthusiasm!

A number of fencers retire to a local hostelry for a drink and a chat and you are welcome to join us

We also run the occasional social event and you are welcome to come along.

You can read and watch more about fencing on our What is Fencing page then close that tab and…

If you have fenced before but had a bit of a break. 30 minute group or one to one session per week for 4 weeks  revising footwork skills, direct and indirect attacks, lateral, circular and semi-circular parries followed by integration fencing with other club members.

Dedicated and qualified coach

After completion of the Refresh course you can extend your membership to the end of term for just £50 for another 6 to 8 weeks of coaching and fencing

Both novice and refresher courses start in September, January and after Easter (see the club calendar and Home page for dates)

To be notified of the next tasters and courses…

If you cannot make the first week you can come the second week (but check with us for which day). After that you will need to wait until the next course.

Have a question? Call 07887 821443 10am to 10pm or use the WhatsApp link floating to the side otherwise…