Below are some common questions about fencing and Star Sword Club. Should you not find the answer to a specific enquiry you may have, please feel free to contact us.

• What is fencing?
• What are the benefits of fencing?
• Does it hurt?
• Is it dangerous?
• What do I need to start?
• Is it Expensive?
• How old/fit should I be?

 

WHAT IS FENCING?

Fencing is the art and sport of fighting with swords. For further information see our About Fencing page. [top]

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FENCING?

Fencing is a sport that provides superb physical and mental benefits. It is a competitive anaerobic activity that improves cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility, while developing reflexes, co-ordination and balance. You can find an article about Fencing Fitness here.

Fencing is also a battle of wits. Often described as a game of chess at lightning speed, fencing develops tactical awareness and problem solving skills.

Fencing has been found to have a positive effect on those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and similar difficulties. [top]

DOES IT HURT?

No, when performed correctly a hit in fencing does not hurt at all. A poorly performed slap from a blade can sting, but this is incorrect technique and not permitted in the club. [top]

IS IT DANGEROUS?

No, fencing records proportionally far fewer injuries than sports such as football and tennis. Special clothing and masks ensure that you are completely safe. No serious injury has ever occurred in a modern fencing club. [top]

WHAT DO I NEED TO START?

Nothing, all the equipment you need will be provided by the club. However, we do suggest your wear loose fitting sports clothing (jogging trouser and a T-shirt are ideal, but not shorts) and wear appropriate, preferably flat-soled sports shoes.

If you wish to purchase your own equipment ensure you seek advice from a coach. You can find a basic guide to purchasing kit here.

If you're new to the sport, you may wish to consider our Instructional DVD. It introduces all the basic strokes you'll encounter during your initial training, as well as topics such as safety, etiquette, rules and refereeing.

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IS IT EXPENSIVE?

It is relatively cheap to start fencing. Our Beginners’ Courses cost just £42 for adults and £32 for children or students. This price includes eight weeks of tuition and kit hire, a year's membership with the British Fencing Association and a year's insurance to fence at Star Sword Club.

After you complete the course, lessons cost just £13 per month for adults and £9 per month for children or students (price per 2 hour session) including kit hire.

After you complete the Beginners’ Course we do encourage you to buy your own equipment if possible, as it is more comfortable and convenient. You can find a basic guide to purchasing kit here. Fencing equipment, although seemingly expensive, lasts for many years and retains a high resale value. You can find a list of UK suppliers on our links page. [top]

HOW OLD/FIT SHOULD I BE?

We do not generally take on children below the age of 11. This is due to our inability to provide appropriately-sized equipment and the nature of the sport. There is no upper age limit to becoming a fencer - there are many fencers still training well into their 60’s and even early 70’s.

You do not need to be exceptionally fit to start fencing. One of the great benefits of fencing is that you can start relatively unfit and improve your fitness through training. Our sessions do include a warm up that consists of a variety of cardio-vascular exercises and fencing itself can be very energetic. If you are concerned about your level of fitness, seek advice from the Coach before you join the club.

You can find a basic guide to improving your fitness to benefit your fencing here.

Should you suffer from any specific condition you feel may be aggravated by fencing, we strongly suggest you seek the advice of your GP before starting and inform the Coach of your condition. [top]