The beginners' course is 6 weeks. You will be introduced to fencing with a foil (one of three weapons used in modern Olympic fencing). You will learn how to be safe with yourself and others, learn footwork, blade technique, hand / eye and foot co-ordination and some of the rules and regulations of the game. You will improve your reaction times, your mental and physical stamina and firm up tummy and thigh muscles as well as those you sit upon!

It doesn't matter how old you are and it doesn't matter how fit you are. The beauty of fencing is that everyone can participate to their own level of satisfaction and ability and still get something out of it.

Instruction is from England Fencing registered coaches who are members of the British Fencing Association, qualified and insured to teach. Beginners are provided with all of the basic kit required to learn to fence safely. By the end of the 6 weeks you should be at the equivalent standard of British Fencing's Proficiency Grade 1.

Aim. The aim of the programme is to introduce the sport of fencing to participants.

Outcomes: By the end of the 6-week programme, you will be able to

• Outline the history of the sport fencing
• Recognise the three modern Olympic weapons
• Act safely and responsibly in the Salle
• Demonstrate correct fencing etiquette and sporting behaviour
• Demonstrate a range of fencing moves and actions for attack and defence
• Use a range of fencing terminology

 

Content and Format. Each session will comprise warm-up and gentle stretches followed by fencing related exercises and games. During the programme a range of footwork and blade-in-hand moves will be introduced to give you a variety of offensive and defensive actions to use when sparring and you will learn sporting behaviour and fencing etiquette.

Topics include

• The history of fencing
• The 3 modern Olympic weapons
• Health and Safety in the Salle
• Fencing Etiquette
• The grip and stance
• The salute
• Mobility
• Basic attacks
• Basic Defence
• Counter-ripostes
• Beats

What happens after the Beginners’ programme?
If you enjoy the course and wish to continue fencing, then you can join Radcliffe Sword Club. We would be happy to welcome you whether you are interested in taking your skills further to competition at local, regional and national level or just in participating in a weekly social activity in a friendly environment that keeps you fit! If you do decide to continue after the beginners' course you will probably want to purchase your own kit. There are members at the club who can advise on the best options and the club can assist in obtaining discounted prices.
Those who continue and want to learn to fence at Sabre and/or Épée (the other Olympic fencing weapons) will be able to do so under the instruction of our experienced coaches.

Beginners’ Class Dates The next course will commence on Wednesday 9th September 2009.

For more information regarding beginners' courses please click here to send an email, or phone Norman Randall on 0115 911 0050. For any other queries, please click here.