How Often Should a
Fencer Practice?

Drawing by Jim Beihold

There is no required number of practices. The Sword Club's schedule allows people to practice in a way that fits their own schedules and needs. We do have the desire that fencers come at least twice a week since doing so develops a fencer three to four times faster then once a week. Three times a week further increases the amount of learning is retained and built on. How often do the coaches want the fencers to attend? Every day! Recreation fencers come once or twice a week. Serious competitive fencers will come every day. The more a fencer attends the greater the skill development and enjoyment of the sport.

There are many aspects of fencing a successful fencer needs to learn and practice. They include: blade work, foot work, pair repetitive drills, pair choice drills, mirror drills, unstructured bouting, structured bouting, simulated competition and individual instruction. How much of these activities does each fencer take part in? It depends upon the fencer's desire and time at the Minnesota Sword Club. Some do it all while others just come to bout and enjoy themselves. It is up to the fencer to decide.