Fencing Instruction
Age Groups
All Girls Class during the summer.
The Minnesota Sword Club has fencing instruction for four age groups, Adults, Teens, Preteens and Youths. Fencers move from one age group to another when they are ready. That is why the ages in the groups overlap some. The Preteens and teens work closely together often working with one another. Most adults start as beginners and latter on move between classes and only bouting as they desire each day.
Adults
work in a style designed for mature individuals. The pace depends upon the individual and
has no preset rate. Most adults fence for fun, recreation, health, or
simply to socialize. Some enter competition for the additional
challenge and excitement. Existing competitions are within the club,
state, regional and national levels. Each adult has his/her own reason
for fencing, but all fence because it's fun! Open bouting for
experienced adult fencers is available anytime the club is open. Scheduling is
flexible since a member can attend when he/she wishes and as much as
liked. Classes, open bouting, equipment use for 3 months and facility usage are all included in a three month membership.
Class activity: First everyone warms-up with the
footwork used in fencing. Then, blade skills are practiced in either a
repetitive or choice situation. Finally, fencing to end the class.
Fencers are also encouraged to stay after class to fence more. Some
adult fencers choose not to join a class and fence before, during and
after class. Other adults join a class some days and just bout during other days. That's OK
too.
All three swords of the sport are taught even though most adults decide on one to learn. Don't be afraid to
try all three until you know which is your favorite. Some fencers learn more then one. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.
Teens, ages 12 to 19 learn fencing quickly. Blade technique, mobility, strategy, and bouting are taught. Each fencer determines his/her own pace and if it is only recreational, mainly competitive or a combination of the two. The choice often changes over time, but it is up to each fencer to decide. Most teens like to compete and if skilled enough may participate on the club's high school competition team. Many of our teen fencers also compete in U.S. Fencing Association competitions on the state, region and national level and are often highly successful.
Class activity: These classes are used to teach the various moves of fencing, the strategies, rules and concepts of fencing. Classes start with footwork and move into blade drills for technical and tactical actions. Both offensive and defensive moves are practiced. Then situational or unrestricted bouting is used to finish the session. Fencers can stay after class to continue bouting. New fencer can change weapons each day until he/she finds a favorite. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.
Preteens,
ages 11 to 12 learn the concepts and strategies of fencing with an
emphasis on either epee, sabre or foil. Form and strategy are taught in
relation to the bouting situation. Skills develop rapidly and easily
carry over to other sports. The program is based on a class situation
with extra bouting time before and after class. The emphasis is on
learning, but fun is an important ingredient of the training. New
fencers join children of their own age immediately. They are not
expected to know the material of the experienced kids, but go through
the same learning situations. The newer fencers develop quickly due to
the help of their new friends. Cadets are free to choose which of the
three weapons of fencing they wish to practice. They can change weapons
each class or stay in one. All basics are taught in each weapon style,
but changing tends to provide variety and enjoyment. Every six to nine
weeks we provide in-house mini competitions for the fencers to test the
skills they have been developing.
Class activity: These classes are used to teach the various moves of fencing, the strategies, rules and concepts of fencing. Classes start with footwork and move into blade drills for technical or tactical actions. Both offensive and defensive moves are practiced. Then bouting, situational or unrestricted, is used to finish the session. Fencers can stay after class to continue bouting. A new fencer can change weapons each day until he/she finds a favorite. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.
Youths ages 8 to 11 are taught the techniques and concepts of fencing with a strong emphasis on games. Strategy games, which carry over to all sports, are a major element of instruction. Body awareness develops quickly through fencing since the young fencer must become aware of his/her own body, how to manipulate the weapon and most of all how to relate to the opponent. The emphasis is on development and having fun while learning the sport.
Class activity: starts with a warm-up game which is just fun. Next, footwork and basic positions are taught. Then, blade exercises are practiced. Activities are broken up a little more then written here to keep the young fencers interested. Fencers in the youth class learn a different weapon each month in a three month rotation. Eventually, a youth fencer can pick a favorite weapon and stay with it. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.Competitive Practices: These practice sessions are open to both adult and teen fencers who compete and want to train for competition. Practices requires electrical competitive equipment and are more physically active. The strategies necessary for competition, the use of right of way, and the technical skills required are all emphasized. The practices are meant as training sessions and do not deal with basic skills. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.
Tauber-Bishofshein Style Training Competition: Not for the light-at-heart. The Tauber-Bishofsheim style training competition is a complete round-robin. Bouts are for 5, 10 or 15 touches, refereed or not, based upon the number of fencers attending each Wednesday. Every fencer MUST fence every other fencer in their weapon. The first time you compete in the TB Training Competition you will be required to sign a contract stating that you will fence every other fencer. If you don’t you will not be allowed to fence in one again. There is little time to socialize between bouts since you must get all bouts finished. Only medical reasons will allow you out before you have fenced everyone in your weapon. If time is running out you might throw yourself on the opponent’s blade to get your bouts finished but, you will finish all bouts. This style of training only works if this rule is strictly enforced - and it will be. You may come any Wednesdays you want and do not have to come every week. Click "Enrollment and Info."to register or on the button to the left.
Individual Instruction is for fencers who want to develop quickly and advance to higher skill levels. The instruction develops the refined movements, perceptions and strategies needed for success in competition. To learn more click on this link to go the the proper page.
Advanced youth fencers in the 8 to 11 age group. This is a warm-up exercise.
Competitive fencers warming up with a foot work exercise. These fencers are 14 to 17 years.
Coach Geoff Jones (right) explains a fencing concept to two adult saber fencers.
Two adult epeeists talking after a bout.
