Questions
Your fencing questions answered. New to fencing? Start here.
Our frequently asked questions page has been updated.
If there’s something we haven’t covered, please contact us. …
Your fencing questions answered. New to fencing? Start here.
Our frequently asked questions page has been updated.
If there’s something we haven’t covered, please contact us. …
Modern fencing is a martial art derived from older forms of duelling with swords. The objective is to hit your opponent without being hit yourself. Modern fencing is a competitive form that emulates a duel – the weapons are blunt and a secondary objective after winning the bout is not to injure anyone. Read more…
Before you even walk into any fencing club or tournament, you’ll hear the bright sound of clashing steel. This is both combat martial art and sport.
The modern sport of fencing has three different events: foil, epée and sabre, each with its own history, target area and rules. The goal in all three weapons is to hit the opponent on the valid target area without being hit yourself… Read more…
Not if done properly. Although executed at speed, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. Reckless and overly aggressive fencers can occasionally deliver painful blows, however. Fencing *is* a martial art, so you should expect minor bruises and welts every now and again. They are rarely intentional. The most painful blows tend to come from inexperienced fencers who have not yet acquired the feel of the weapon. Read more…
Fencing is a safe sport. Regulation equipment conforming to safety standards and common sense fencing helps to maintain our good safety record. Read more…
If that has piqued your interest, try the following posts:
New to Fencing: Start Here Read More »
West Devon Swords runs a number of beginners’ courses.
The beginners course is designed for people who are interested in learning to fence but have no experience. It is a basic introduction to either foil, épée or sabre fencing.
Students will be assessed at the end of the course and signed off at the equivalent of British Fencing Grade One, mostly as a safety measure to ensure all beginners are safe to release into the club sessions.
What is the Beginners Fencing Course? Read More »
The six-week beginners course follows the following syllabus:
A revised syllabus will be published here soon.
If you continue fencing, you have the option to compete at local and regional level in fencing tournaments.
Beginners Course Syllabus Read More »
West Devon Swords holds beginners’ courses through the year as well as other displays and demonstrations
Our typical six-week beginners course in épée or sabre is held in a local sports centre or community hall and usually costs: £30 for Juniors (up to 16 years and registered students) and and £36 for Adults.
To register:
call: 07956 409818
email: contact@westdevonswords.info
Fencing: where, when, how much? Read More »
Whether you are six or sixty-four (we’ve had beginners at those and all ages between), you can start fencing at any time.
Experienced fencers can join our club sessions at any time, please contact us in advance to confirm venues and times.
We regularly run beginners courses for people who are interested in learning to fence but have no experience. Please check this site for dates and times of the next beginners course (usually once per half-term).
At the end of the six-week course every beginner is assessed to Grade One standard as fit and safe to continue fencing within the club.
When can I start fencing? Read More »
Wear suitable clothing as for any kind of anaerobic sport. That means:
Think about bringing a towel, a change of clothes and even a drinks bottle.
The club reserves the right to turn away anyone dressed inappropriately for fencing.
What do I wear for fencing? Read More »
Not if done properly. Although executed with appreciable energy, a good, clean fencing attack hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. Reckless and overly aggressive fencers can occasionally deliver painful blows, however. Fencing *is* a martial art, so you should expect minor bruises and welts every now and again. They are rarely intentional. The most painful blows tend to come from inexperienced fencers who have not yet acquired the feel of the weapon.
The primary source of injury in fencing is from pulled muscles and joints. A proper warm up and stretching before fencing will minimise these occurrences.
There is a minor risk of being injured by broken weapons. We’ve never had any injuries.
The shards of a snapped blade can be very sharp and cause injury, especially if the fencer doesn’t realize immediately that his blade is broken and continues fencing. Always wear proper protective gear to reduce this risk. FIE homologated jackets, breeches and masks are ideal, as they are made with puncture-resistant fabrics such as kevlar. If you cannot afford such extravagances, use a plastron (half-jacket worn beneath the regular fencing jacket), and avoid old and rusty masks. Always wear a glove that covers the cuff, to prevent blades from running up the sleeve.
Fencing is often said to be safer than golf. Whether or not this is true, it is an extraordinarily safe sport considering its heritage and nature.
Does fencing hurt? Read More »
Although foil is commonly the ‘training’ weapon for beginners owing to its lightweight and supposedly light touch, we take a different view.
Sabre can sometimes be an effective starter weapon. It has rules of right of way to emphasize proper defence, and its de-emphasis of point attacks can be a relief to a beginner who doesn’t yet have much point control. Also, in some areas it may still be possible to compete in dry (non-electric) sabre competitions, meaning that it can be the cheapest of all weapons to compete in (although electric sabre is definitely the most expensive weapon).
Épée is sometimes used as a starter weapon because the rules are simple and easy to grasp, and the equipment costs are lower, since no lamé is required.
Which is the best weapon for a fencing beginner? Read More »