New to Fencing

How to Start
Fill out Membership Application Form (pdf)
Pick an introductory class time:
                       Monday and Wednesday 5-6 pm
                       Tuesday and Thursday 4-5 pm
Come in at the beginning of the month in loose clothing and comfortable shoes

What is Fencing?
Fencing is the art of attack, and defense using a lightweight sword. It is a graceful, fast-moving, exciting sport, and a great workout for both body, and mind. It develops agility, concentration, speed, and timing. Men, women, and children of all ages and levels of fitness enjoy fencing. Most importantly, fencing is safe, and fun.
Equipment
In fencing, there are four basic pieces of equipment: the jacket, glove, mask and weapon.

The Weapons
Foil, epee, and saber are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. Foil and epee are point-thrusting weapons. Saber is a point thrusting, as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, though all three are scored electronically.

Foil
The foil has a flexible, rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade, and must land within the torso of the body.

The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes lame (pronounced "LUH-may"), which is a metallic vest that covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A touch on the valid surface will register a colored light on the scoring machine. A touch on the non-valid surface will register a white light.

Epee
The epee (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit), and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. The entire body is the valid target area. Because of this, the epee fencer's uniform does not include a lame.

Saber
The saber is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the saber is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The saber fencer's uniform includes a lame, which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epee, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area.

Touches that arrive on the valid surface register a colored light on the scoring machine. Off-target hits do not register on the machine.