Why Fencing? Fencing is a sport that combines fitness, agility and thought. It can be started at 8 years of age and it is a sport that can be enjoyed for life. Is It Safe? It is a safe sport. Injuries are rare. The Club is safety conscious and has a Safety Officer who regularly checks equipment. Everyone wears a mask, protective clothing and a glove. Clothing for competition is lined with Kevlar, the same material is used for bullet proof vests. Women wear additional protection for the chest.

Can My Children Start? Juniors should be at least 8 years of age. Younger children do not yet have the span of concentration needed.  The Junior session is from 7.00 to 8.00 pm. Promising juniors are encouraged to join the Senior club session where they can get personal tuition.

Do Men And Women Fence? Yes.  Fencing is a sport for men and women. In the Club, men and women fence and train together. In competition there are separate Mens and Womens events. Sportsmanship Fencing encourages sportsmanship in the  the traditional sense. There is no bad language. There is no cheating. Fencers take a genuine pleasure in the skill of their opponents. Do all Ages Fence Together? In the Senior Club all ages train together. In competition there are Opens, where all ages compete together, and also Age Groups where there are age restrictions for example: Cadet - under 17, Junior - under 20, Veteran - over 40

What Types Of Fencing Are There?

There are 3 weapons - Foil, Epee and Sabre.

The rules are different for each weapon. Many fencers enjoy fencing with just one weapon. A few master all 3.

Foil is the lightest and the weapon with which beginners start fencing. The target is the trunk of the body. There are strict rules about attacks and a hit is made only with the point.

Epee is a heavier weapon and again a hit is made with the point. There are fewer rules at epee, a hit can be made anywhere on the opponent and the more spectacular hits are made on the wrist or the toe!

Sabre is a cutting weapon and a hit is made with the edge of the blade. Speed of movement and agility are essential at sabre and bouts tend to be very quick with lots of movement.

Is Tuition Available? Yes. There are professional and volunteer coaches who give class and individual instruction.

What Do I Need To Start

The Club has a large stock of masks, jackets and swords. As a beginner all you need to do is to wear loose trousers or tracksuit bottoms to cover the legs and wear sports shoes - NO black soles please. We will provide everything else that you need.

Once you have decided the sport is for you then you should start to invest in your own equipment. Start with a fencing glove and plastron. This basic safety equipment is available for purchase in the club.

Fencing equipment is available through the coaches or can be ordered on-line. See the Links section on Suppliers.

Am I Too Old or Too Young To Start?

You can start our Adult Beginner classes at 18. Four classes are held at regular intervals throughout the year.
There is no age limit on starting to fence. It helps to be physically sound and reasonably supple.

What is Veterans Fencing?

The National Vetarans Association (NVA) welcomes fencers who are aged 40 and over.

The NVA has an active fencing and social calendar. There are national and international competitions where veterans of all standards are welcome. Bath Sword Club veterans are well known at European, Commonwealth and World Championships and bring back their share of medals.

Experienced Fencers

You are very welcome. The Club has a wide range of abilities at all weapons so whatever your standard you will have an enjoyable evenings fencing.

On a typical evening there will be at least 12 electric boxes out and a wide range of opponents available at all 3 weapons.

What Does It Cost

As the Club is open all the year round membership is an annual subscription paid by monthly standing order.

Current membership rates are in the How To Join section.

Senior paid up members are eligible for individual lessons from professional coaches at no additional charge.

Fencing Licences

All Club members must have a British Fencing licence. This is a rolling membership for one year. It provides insurance cover, allows entry to competitions and enables British Fencing to organise the sport at the national level.

Details of licences can be found on the British Fencing website.

 

 

© 2007 Bath Sword Club