So you’re keen to have a go at fencing, but you’re a bit shy about turning up to a class? Or you’re worried you’ll look silly? Here’s what really goes on at one of our beginner courses:
A group of like-minded people - who’ve either never fenced before or haven’t fenced for so long that they need a refresher course - slowly trickle through the door to the hall.
Coach Avery welcomes them one by one and introduces them to each other. Once everyone’s accounted for Avery grabs a bundle of three swords and the party starts!
After a quick explanation about the difference between the three swords (Foil, Epee & Sabre) while they’re passed around the group (okay, maybe admired from a safe distance in the COVID-19 era), it’s time for the group to learn the basic footwork so that everyone can chase an opponent or move out of their reach.
It’s likely that everybody feels a bit silly as they learn to stand in the On Guard stance, with feel at a ninety-degree angle and hip-width apart, but this stance is going to help with balance amongst other things, and it won’t be long until it starts to feel natural.
Next, it’s time for a chat about sword safety, then everyone will learn to hold an Epee, aim at their desired target, and hit said target safely and effectively.
It’s a good time to note that Fencing is actually one of the safest Olympic sports! Fencers wear modern safety equipment, follow some simple but important safety rules, and use flexible swords with blunt ends.
So the group have grabbed a fencing glove and a sword and they’re working in pairs as they practice hitting targets that are set up around the room. Their arms will get a bit tired and Coach Avery will remind them frequently to shake their arms out and ensure they’re holding their sword’s gently so their hands don’t get tired.
Nobody’s here to poke targets though so, once everyone’s hitting the targets correctly it’s time to get everyone into safety gear and get some bouting (games of fencing) happening.
It’s a really common concern of new fencers that they are ‘doing it wrong’ or that they look silly. A fencing jacket is only a couple of straps short of a straight jacket, so we all look a bit silly if we’re honest. Fencing moves are a bit different from your usual sports’ skills like throwing and catching balls, hitting balls with bats and so on, and every fencer started as a beginner, so the important thing is to remember that, as long as you’re being safe and having fun, you’re ‘doing it right’. Good technique comes with practice.
The first session usually flies by because we have to get the introductions and footwork and target hitting 101 out of the way. By the time you’ve had a go trying out your footwork and poking each other (thrusts) it will be time to pack up.
Every student receives their own brand new mask and glove when they enrol in a beginner course. Coach Avery will provide antibacterial wipes for cleaning the masks out.
The club jackets will go in the laundry bag for Avery to take home, and students will wipe down the grip of the club sword they used.
Over the course of the… course… students will be introduced to a range of fencing skills. As they add to their fencing tool kit they will grow in confidence and experiment with using the various skills during bouts.
There are a few terms to learn but students start to remember them the more Avery repeats them.
Students learn things like…
Poking their opponent (a simple attack using a thrust).
Blocking their opponent’s poke (thrust) with their blade (a parry), then using the opportunity to poke their opponent (a riposte).
Whipping their flexible blade around their opponent’s guard to hit their wrist or arm (doing a flick).
Pretending to poke their opponent so that their opponent will react but then poking a different target area instead (a feint attack).
Whacking the opponent’s blade out of the way just long enough to poke them (a beat attack).
Thrusting forward, covering more distance by pushing off with the back leg (a lunge).
Poking the opponent whilst maintaining blade contact in order to increase protection (hitting with opposition).
Small footwork moves to trick the opponent (half steps forward or backward).
Full steps forward (advancing) and backwards (retreating) to control the distance between the fencer and their opponent.
And lots of other skills and concepts to add to the enjoyment of the game.
There are a few things Coach Avery wants you to know about the classes:
The number one goal (well, second only to safety) is to have fun.
Nobody is watching you; they’re too busy worrying about their own fencing.
Fencing is a sport for any age. Kids can fence. Teens can fence. Adults working a 40 hour week can fence. Retirees can fence, and even people in their 80’s fence.
Fencing is not just a sport for boys and men. Some of Tasmania’s most experienced fencers are women. At the club you can fence whoever you like. In tournaments, there are separate categories, but we also run mixed team events.
Fencing is a very safe sport - parents around the world wouldn’t get their children into it if it wasn’t.
You don’t have to be fit to start fencing. And it’s so much fun that you won’t even notice that you’re getting some cheeky strength and conditioning exercise in.
If you’re REALLY shy, try bringing a friend or family member along to have a go with you.
If you have any questions, send us an email!
van.diemen.fencing.club@gmail.com
