GFC Beginners Courses
Fencing is a unique and increasingly popular activity, enjoyed by people of all ages. Founded in 1949, Guildford Fencing Club is one of the oldest fencing clubs in England. We are traditionally a three weapon club - épée, foil and sabre. We follow the school year from September to July and our year is divided into three terms with our AGM being held in the middle of July.Thinking of giving fencing a try? As a Club, we are keen to encourage new people to try out the sport of fencing. Our beginners courses are held termly commencing in September, January and May. No previous experience is required and the equipment is provided by the Club.
The club runs two types of course, described on this page:
- an épée course suitable for older teens and adults (click here), and
- a foil course intended for younger fencers (click here)
Épée 6 week Beginners Course
The Course is for adults and teenagers and costs £105.
Enrolment forms for the April
Courses are now available - click here 
for a Word version
(.doc) or here 
for an Acrobat (.pdf) version
The Course consists of six introductory group lessons where you will learn the basics of fencing épée, followed by an introduction to the Club. Beginners can continue to fence as Members of the Club to the end of that term.
For more information including dates and times please click here
What you will need to provide:
- T-shirt
- Training shoes - these must be clean, indoor and non-marking
- Long socks, such as football socks (proper fencing socks can be purchased at the Club)
- A water bottle, towel and spare t-shirt is recommended.
The Club will loan the following (free of charge):
- fencing jacket
- plastron (a one-armed protective under-jacket)
- mask
- glove
- breast protector (for ladies only)
- lightweight épée for class practice
- electric épée and wire for practice with the Club's scoring equipment
At the end of the Course and for the rest of the term you are welcome to join our members, at no extra charge, in the following activities:
- a general footwork lesson starting at 8 p.m.
- free fencing, 'on or off the box' - don't worry, your Coach will explain what this means
- group/individual lessons at our Coaches' discretion.
Duke of EdinburghStudents wishing to take fencing as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Challenge are welcome. The Challenge usually takes two terms to complete. Please indicate on your application form that you are taking your Duke of Edinburgh award. |
Foil 6 week Beginners Course for 9 to 12 year olds
The Course costs £70.
Enrolment forms for the April
Courses are now available - click here for a Word version
(.doc) or here
for an Acrobat (.pdf) version
No previous experience is required, and equipment is provided by the Club.
You will need:
- a T-shirt
- clean, indoor non-marking training shoes
- socks
- loose trousers or track suit bottoms (not jeans, which are too tight; nor low-cut trousers, which leave a gap between the jacket and the trousers where a foil might enter)
- a water bottle, towel and spare t-shirt is recommended.
If you wish, you may take a test as part of the Beginners Course - successful fencers will receive a Certificate and Badge (at current costs)
The Club will loan the following (free of charge):
- fencing jacket
- plastron (a one-armed protective under-jacket)
- mask
- glove
- breast protector (for girls only)
- lightweight foil for class practice
- electric foil, wire and jacket for practice with the Club's scoring equipment
Breeches are not necessary for this Beginners Course, although you should wear them if you have a pair.
For more information including dates and times please
click here
Mini-MusketeersWe welcome students from Mini-Musketeers. We recommend they join our Beginners Course to learn the different style and speed possible when using a metal foil. However, we recognise that some students may feel they have already reached an adequate standard to join our Junior Club without first training as a beginner. Therefore, as from September 2008, Students joining the Club from Mini-Musketeers may request an Assessment Session by one of our Coaches. If they are of a suitable standard they may receive an Invitation to join the Junior Club. This will be decided by the Coach. For more information about Mini Musketeers - not associated with GFC - please click here. |