Guildford Fencing Club - About the Club

Welcome to the sport of Fencing! This unique and increasingly popular activity is enjoyed by people of all ages, and is an excellent method of keeping fit.

Previous experience of Fencing is not necessary, we welcome absolute beginners on our regular introductory courses - see http://www.guildfordfencing.co.uk/beginnerscourses.php for details. Fencing equipment can be borrowed from the club, so you do not have to buy it straight away.

Coaching is provided in one of the sports halls of St Peter's School in Merrow, Guildford. All equipment is provided for beginners. Changing facilities are available although the school has the showers under repair. Parents please note: the club does not supervise these.

Our classes run on a Friday evening in term time; see details of dates, times and fees.  The page on fees contains links to enrolment forms; please provide one with your payment before you fence.

Fencers who were members of the club last term may just enrol and turn up, as may adult or teen fencers who already know how to fence. Beginners (with less than 6 weeks experience) and U13s should enrol and wait for confirmation of a place before attending, please.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

U13 Club

Boys and Girls from 9-13 years old - sometimes 8 years, with the approval of the coach.

A structured programme of activity, dividing the evening into fencing tuition, fencing games, general games and free fencing periods. The course is designed to progress the student to gain recognised achievement awards from the BFA (British Fencing Association), and to participate in both club and local competitions. Sportsmanship and self discipline are emphasised. Several sets of Electric Scoring equipment are available for use by the U13 Club.

At present, training in the U13 club is with the foil only. Fencers who wish to use epee or sabre may, with the permission of the coach, join in with youth members at the later session.

Student/Youth Members

We offer a programme of activity in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a mix of class coaching and (at no extra charge) one-to-one instruction. Class activities include group coaching lessions, fencing games and free fencing. New members will start fencing with the Épée, and will be able to try both the Foil and the Sabre at a later stage: the club has coaches and fencers with experience at all three weapons.

Training at the club is appropriate for teenagers who wish to start entering local and national age-group competitions, and many of our members do so.
Of course, one night's training a week is not sufficient for serious competition, and training at Guildford would be part of a programme that included training at school or at another club on a different evening.

Students may start with a beginner's course: click the link on the left for details.

Adult Members

We welcome adult members, both beginners or experienced fencers. Founded in 1949, Guildford Fencing Club is one of the oldest clubs in England, with a strong history of adult fencing. We have six sets of electric scoring equipment, including two recently-purchased electric scoring boxes for all three weapons , and four sets of Electric Sabre Kit with funds donated by Guildford Sports Council. Coaching, and the use of non electric club kit, is included with membership; electric kit is available for hire.

Casual Fencers (non members)

Fencers who normally train at other clubs are welcome to visit us as casual members.

A Social Activity

For those of age, the evening is usually wound up with a visit to a nearby pub.  Sadly, the Horse and Groom is closing down but other options are being investigated...

Affiliations

The Club is affiliated to the British Fencing Association, South-East England Region Fencing and Surrey County Fencing Union. The Club has taken an active part in promoting fencing in Surrey through the Sport for All days, as well as entering County and Section Competitions.

Safety

Fencing is one of the safer sports, providing fencers observe the rules. The coaches will make every effort to ensure that beginners, students and casual fencers are taught and observe the rules of fencing. However, fencing is a combat sport, and you fence at your own risk. The Club will not be held responsible for any accidents or injury.

The club requires that everyone fencing wears clothing in accordance with British Fencing safety guidelines, as a minimum:

For teenage and adult fencers at the 8PM session

• A CEN1 rated jacket, mask and breeches.
• An CEN2 or FIE rated (800N) plastron
• An FIE rated glove is required for sabre (and may be required soon for foil and epee).
• A rigid chest protector, for women and teenage girls. It does not require a CEN rating.
• Socks and shoes do not require a CEN rating. Long socks are required, to overlap with the bottom of the breeches.

Note: Fencers on the learn-to-fence courses are permitted to wear trousers instead of breeches for the first few lessons, as they are using non-electric weapons. 

For fencers at the 6:30PM  session

• a CEN1 rated plastron, jacket and mask.
• Trousers must be strong with any openings taped shut - proper CEN1 rated fencing breeches are preferred.
• The glove, socks and shoes do not currently require a CEN rating. Socks must be long enough to overlap with the bottom of the breeches.

What are these words "breeches" and "plastron"?

Breeches are short trousers, ending below the knee.

A plastron is a garment looking like a cut-down jacket, usually with only one sleeve. It's worn under the jacket for additional underarm protection. The club has some CEN1 rated plastrons, which should only be worn at the 6:30 session. To make them recognisable, we have dyed them pink.

Where to buy Equipment

These rules align with those for British Fencing competitions at the time of writing, so all reputable fencing suppliers based in Britain or Europe should be able to supply them. Some suppliers are listed on our links page.

If you are thinking of entering competitions, check the competition organiser's requirements as occasionally they are higher than this minimum standard.  In particular, many competitions organised by the FIE require FIE rated equipment; and a few competitions for under-13s may apply the requirements for 13 year olds. Competitions may also have additional requirements for reasons other than safety, for example electrical conductivity.

Be careful if buying equipment outside Europe, as the local equivalent of a CE mark will not be recognised by British Fencing, although the FIE mark will be.

Taking care of equipment

There is a separate page on basic equipment care - please click on kit_care.php

How to join the club

Please head over to our Fees and Enrolment page for instructions on joining the club.