2025 Beginners

Your First Session:

We welcome beginners to attend the first two club sessions (at any of our locations) each school term to have a go and see if fencing is a good fit for them. From there, they can join the club and will learn fencing skills through structured coach-facilitated sessions, and free-bouting with their clubmates. 1:1 fencing lessons are also available during most club sessions.

Please contact the club by text (0428 057 473) before attending, and include:

  • The student’s name and pronouns, and age if attending the Tuesday kids & teens’ club.

  • An email address for the club to send details to.

  • The session (Mon, Tue, or Sat) you intend to come to.

Beginners need to bring:

  • Full-length pants with some stretch.

  • Comfy, non-marking shoes (sneakers, etc).

  • A drink bottle (we have cups if you forget). ;)

VDFC provides equipment for beginners*.

  • Beginners are required to take their club jacket with them and wash it between sessions during the term.

  • After one term of fencing, members buy a glove. (Approx. $35).

  • After two terms of fencing, members buy a fencing mask. (Approx. $100).

  • After three terms of fencing, members buy a jacket. (Approx. $95).

  • Members are welcome to buy equipment sooner, and the coaches can provide information about gear and a range of suppliers.

 

We’re unable to accommodate absolute beginners who join mid-term, so please ensure you attend during the first two weeks of the term you'd like to start.

For more information, contact Head Coach Avery Holderness-Roddam.

 

Ready to Have a Stab at fencing?

Fencing improves balance, agility, problem-solving skills, confidence, fitness and so much more.

You are never too old to start learning the sport, and we love welcoming newcomers.

The Basics:

Three Swords, Endless Fun

Fencing has three weapons, each with its own flair:

🔹 Épée – Hit with the tip, and the whole body’s fair game! Double hits? Totally allowed. It’s a game of nerve, timing, and strategy.

🔹 Foil – Tip of the blade only, and just the torso counts. Foil is all about precision and priority — only one fencer can score at a time.

🔹 Sabre – Fast, fierce, and flashy. Score with any part of the blade, above the waist (excluding hands). Priority rules still apply, but it’s all about speed and bold moves.

All bouts (a game of fencing) take place on a piste — a 14-metre-long strip. In big clubs they’re metal and grounded out, but here we use tape markings.

What to expect at your first session:

Bring: a drink bottle, clean comfy sneakers, and full-length pants. That’s it - we’ll provide the rest!

Every session starts with a fun group warm-up and footwork practice. You’ll learn the basics like the On Guard stance, how to Advance and Retreat, and how to control distance — the secret sauce to staying safe while landing your hits.

Then it’s time to gear up! You’ll be introduced to fencing safety, suit up, and learn how to wield your sword. We’ll show you how to hold it, aim, and hit - safely and confidently.

From there, you’ll unlock new skills at your own pace: parries, ripostes, counter-attacks, feints, blade control, and more.

Newcomers often get to fence in their very first session — but if you’d rather start with a target, that’s perfectly fine too.

Nervous? Bring a friend!
Trying something new can be daunting, so if it helps, bring someone along. We’re a welcoming bunch and love sharing the experience.

Just for fun, or looking to compete?
Whether you’re here for fitness, fun, or fencing glory, you’re in the right place. Most members enjoy the social and skill-building side of fencing, while others train to compete… and we support both equally. Everyone is valued. Everyone belongs.