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Guildford Fencing Club - Introduction

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 and run regular introductory courses - see http://www.guildfordfencing.co.uk/beginnerscourses.html for details.

Coaching is provided in one of the sports halls of St Peter's School in Merrow, Guildford. All equipment is provided for beginners, and after the beginners class only breeches need to be bought straightaway. Showers and changing facilities are available. 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.

Experienced adult or teen fencers may just turn up, but beginners and juniors should check with the Treasurer first.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Junior 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 Junior Club.

New members will start fencing with the Foil or the Épée (see the description of the beginner's courses), but will be able to try the other weapon and the Sabre at a later stage.

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 Foil, and will be able to try both the Épée and the Sabre at a later stage: the club has coaches and youth 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: contact the Treasurer for further details.

Adult Members

Experienced Fencers

We welcome 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 five sets of electric scoring equipment, including two recently-purchased electric scoring boxes for all three weapons , and two 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.

Fees are just £148.50 per year, with no additional weekly admission or coaching charges.

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, the Horse and Groom being the current favourite.

Affiliations

The Club is affiliated to the British Fencing Association, Surrey County Fencing Union, Surrey Youth and Adult Education Service and Sport Guildford. The Club takes 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.

• For most fencers, this means a CEN2 rated (800 Newton) plastron, a CEN1 rated jacket, mask and breeches, with socks and a glove
• For beginners and for those at the 6:30 junior session, this is relaxed to a CEN1 rated plastron, jacket and mask, with strong trousers and a glove.

Venue

Classes are held in St Peter's School, Horseshoe Lane East, Guildford, Surrey, England, GU1 2TN. Drive through the main gates and park in the playground straight ahead. (Ignore the older part of the school on the right). The sports hall is directly in front of you.

Although we hire premises from St Peter's School, we are not a part of the school at all. Their web site is at http://www.st-peters.surrey.sch.uk/. Fencing club mail should be sent to the Club Secretary, not to the school.