Programs
The prerequisite course for all students is the “Introduction to Fencing” course. The course is two months long, one hour a week and designed to welcome new people into the World of Fencing one step at a time. It allows returning fencers the chance to get back into practice before the more demanding Level Classes. Equipment use provided free during this class. Instruction is in Foil, with skills able to be applied to the two other weapons (Sabre and Epee). The Introductory Class is to allow students a chance to try fencing before making an investment in their own gear. To Enroll you must come to the location while we are there, fill out the one page form and make payment by cash or check. Facility owners have no knowledge of programs as we rent the space from them to present the programs. The Intro class is held on its respective night by location, starting on the first night of the new cycle month each time (unless there is a holiday). Total cost for this program is $175.00. Required clothing is sweat pants, tee shirt and tennis shoes. No shorts allowed.
Basics of form, footwork, blade engagement, scoring, directing and tactics are learned making the student safe to participate in the Open Floor Fencing by the end of the course. Instruction is offered in a group setting, to enhance the students knowledge of drilling, and allowing for better interaction between members. Intro Class size is limited to correctly address each fencer’s issues. Returning fencers who have not been active in the sport for more than six months are also asked to attend this class to review basics and to become familiar with our teaching style before advancing to higher levels.
After the Introduction to Fencing Course, students move to a rotating “Level Program” . Students are required to obtain their own equipment, and basic Starter Sets are available through a noted Southern California Vendor. The Program begins with Foil One and advances to Foil Two, then into Epee and then Sabre programs introducing them to all weapons and the concept of local level competition. Advancement is achieved through the Testing Program to ensure solid knowledge of the concepts at every level. Monthly Class Fee also includes Open Floor time at Main Location. All programs developed by the Head Coach and are unique in their format and presentation. While the core of the programs remain the same, the programs are refined and improved on a constant and steady basis to address the ever-changing world of Fencing.
Enrollment
We ask everyone to enroll for their classes in advance, as enrollment is first come, first serve with no exceptions. Many times the classes have reached their limits before the starting night. Enrollment is an easy one page form, and payment of fees for the class. Unlike other Martial Arts, we don’t demand contracts or sign-up fees, and use of the equipment is free during the Introductory Class. Early enrollment allows us to reschedule additional classes if we exceed the time limits built into the current schedule.
“Introduction to Fencing”
Class starts in these months:
January, March, May, July, September, and November
See schedule page for class times and days.
Adults
Fencing is a great adult activity. The upper age limit depends only on yourself, with many folks known to have fenced well into their 90's. Its also a great adult activity because it doesn't have the dangers of bad injuries carried by many other activities. Age plays well into Fencing, with its strong focus on tactics and self-control.
If you have been looking for an activity that will take you as far as you want to go, consider Fencing. There are in-house competitions, and Veteran events all the way to the World level.
Many people have always wanted to try Fencing, but missed it in their youth, but there's no reason to not jump in now! You need to be reasonably fit overall and mobile to take part.
Unlike many of the other martial arts, our teen fencers are able to drill and bout well with adults. Age is never a reason to count yourself out, and youth mixes well in our world.
Youth Program
The Youth Class age limit of 8-11 years old is in place for a number of reasons,
including equipment and facility limitations. In addition, it prevents problems
and issues of learning based on
cognitive development by age, allowing teens and adults the freedom to learn at
their pace also. We don't place children with adults in the same class,
because it would be unfair to the adults to have to deal with small children and
their limited abilities as a result of their age. As a full contact martial art,
children simply are not equipped to take part with adult fencers, no matter what
you may have been told in other martial arts. Please show your own children and
other fencers the respect due to them by not insisting they be allowed to join
adult classes. Youth Fencers will currently only be accepted at the Main Location
in Riverside. Concepts from the Level Program are used, with a focus on learning
through discovery rather than the stricter focus on Testing and Levels. New
students rotate in with existing ones to provide a stronger group to learn from.
Murrieta Location
The Murrieta program is a remote location. The programs follow those of the Main Location in Riverside, time permitting. Currently it covers Intro, Foil One and Foil Two. Students who begin in Murrieta will be on the same track as Riverside if they wish to go on to levels not offered at Murrieta.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are offered only to existing students on a limited basis around
the
existing class schedule.