Beginners

Your First Sessions:

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 note: not everyone wants to jump into fencing on their first session - they’d rather practice their new sword skills on a target - and that is absolutely fine!

Also note: If you’re a bit shy and just want to sit and watch, that’s completely fine too!

At your first session, the coaches will introduce themselves, then we’ll start with group housekeeping - including introductions and information attendees need to know.

Next, there’ll be a group warm-up session - this is to prepare everyone’s bodies for fencing and minimise the chances of pulled muscles etc. You don’t need to be fit, flexible, or good at balancing. The club is for everyone, and we encourage members to pace themselves and do what they’re comfortable with. We offer warm-ups that can be adapted to suit the individual.

After warm-up and a drink of water, one of our coaches will take newcomers to teach them the basics of fencing footwork. Prepare to feel silly - footwork looks a bit ridiculous! :) We can also modify the sessions for people who need to fence seated, or need to alternate between sitting and standing.

Now it’s time for the (blunt) swords! We’ll kit you up in safety gear, teach you about sword safety, then teach you some basic blade skills before you have a go at fencing!

As the session wraps up, we’ll put the swords back and show you how to wipe out the mask and chest guard with sanitiser.

We wash the jackets after every use. Members who register for the term will usually take a jacket home and bring it each week, giving it a cold wash in a machine between sessions.

Please contact the club by text before attending, and include:

  • The student’s name, pronouns (not compulsory), and age (if under 18).

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

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

  • Any support you need from us to ensure a happy experience for you.

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. $110).

  • 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. If equipment will be a financial barrier to fencing, have a chat with Coach Avery.

  • In the case of financial hardship we can lend you equipment for longer, but our Head Coach transports the equipment between all three sessions, which is stressful, and we want to minimise the amount of equipment he’s transporting.

 

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

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. Please note: we do not offer Sabre training at the club.

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 housekeeping, a 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.