Which class should I take?

All other classes require an introduction course, or equivalent training.  If you're not sure please contact us to discuss your circumstances.  If you require a "refresher" class after a long absence from the sport, we recommend the "Fast Track" classes, which are usually available alongside our beginner classes.

The Introduction classes can be taken using any of the three weapons.  You can find details on the differences on the course information page to help you decide which is best for you.
The skills you learn in your introductory class transfer easily to the other weapons, so if you have no firm preference we recommend starting with the foil.

At the completion of the course you will have attained a level of skill that will enable you to fence safely and competently at any club of your choice.  All our beginner students are entitled to a free 1 hour development planning session, where we can advise you on your options and how best to go about achieving your goals in the sport.

For those who choose to continue developing their skills with Riposte Fencing, we offer individual lessons and more advanced training courses are run from time to time.


What Skills Do I Need?

Fencing actions have very little in common with other sports, even skills from other martial arts.  So your first class will begin with learning how to stand, and everything follows in small steps from there.

Fencing benefits from both physical and mental agility.  Good cardio-vascular fitness, fast reflexes and reactions, balance, co-ordination, problem solving, self-control and confidence.  However all of these things can be developed through fencing, they are not a prerequisite.
There are some physical advantages, such as being tall or having long arms.  One of the great benefits of fencing is that purely physical advantages can be worked around with clever tactics, so these are not required either.

All you need to bring to your first class is an interest and willingness to learn.


Does it hurt?

Like all martial arts and combat sports, you can expect the occasional bruise or graze while fencing.  However this is rarely intentional - a correctly executed hit while using appropriate equipment hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder, most problems arise when fencing against inexperienced fencers who are still developing a feel for the blade.
For this reason our beginner classes use extra-padded jackets to provide additional protection for beginners learning how to hit correctly.

The most common injuries are routine strains and sprains common to all sports, which we strive to avoid with warm-up and stretching routines and by teaching good technique.


How long will it take to get good?

An Introduction course will take you to a level where you can fence safely and enjoy a fencing bout without supervision.
With a moderate training schedule you should be ready for your first competition in about 6 months, although this will be a learning experience rather than a serious attempt to win.
After 2-3 years you should be comfortable enough with the physical actions that you can focus on strategy, and that's when to think about winning competitions.
If you want to fence at the Olympics, allow at least a decade.  No matter how hard you train, experience counts for a lot in fencing, making it one of the few sports where people can still make their international debut in middle-age.


How much does it cost?

Our Introduction course fee provides you with everything you need to get started.  There is no more to pay until you decide you want to pursue the sport further.
If you do wish to continue fencing, typical extra costs include; personal equipment, club fees, affiliation, lesson fees, and competition entry fees.  How much you spend on these can vary enormously.
If you have taken our Introduction course you are entitled to a free one hour development planning session, where we can help you determine the best options to suit your ambitions and your budget.