Classes

Beginner Programs

Our Beginner Programs are for one (1) term only. The classes are held on Mondays only. 

The program consists of 10 classes. Each class has a different “theme” to give each student to experience all of the basic fencing skills and aspects of fencing and to decide if they want to continue with the sport.

After you register online, you only need to show up with athletic pants (no shorts, no open pockets, no rips/tears), grippy indoor shoes (street shoes are not appropriate for safety reasons), and a t-shirt... we provide the rest! Yes, there is no equipment to purchase!

We do reserve the right to limit class sizes for your safety and coaching availability. We will be taking attendance, which will allow us to keep track of the class size and allow other people to join our beginner classes sooner.

Your online registration will come with an acceptance email confirming your status (accepted or waitlisted on first come basis)

Youth Beginner

This is a safe and fun environment for fencers aged 13-17 to learn the basics of the sport and to start refining their skills for their first club competition.

Adult Beginner

Sometimes it's hard to join a sport just because all the beginners are little kids. Here we run small classes for adults to learn the skills they have always wanted to develop.

Let's face it, we all remember picking up a stick and suddenly, we have a mastery of the sword, in our own minds. Why not make it official! 

Your level of activity is entirely up to you as you learn the basics before moving on to the next level. There is a time slot for you on our Monday evenings.

U10 Minis! - *Suspended for the fall due to a coaching shortage*

This is a unique program for young people aged 6-12.

Minis learn the basics of our sport, in a fun way. They use smaller-sized weapons and protective equipment. Class sizes are kept to a smaller size to provide greater safety for our younger members. But, don't be fooled by their size, these are real fencers in training!

Beginner Tournament

At the end of each season, the Enguardians Fencing Club will host a free non-electric foil tournament. It is a friendly event to see how much you have learned. Parents/guardians and family are always welcome.

No flash pictures please.

Recreational & Competitive Programs

These programs are to all ages, but not for the uninitiated!

You are expected to have all your equipment for the level that you need for your current level..

Many athletes in these programs are active competitors and cover a wide range of ages. Whether you are recreational or a competitive fencer, your focus is on becoming a better fencer. Practice is important in developing and maintaining your fencing skills. It enhances your reflexes and muscle memory to make your movement and balance skills. Bouting is important to test your fencing skills.

All athletes are expected to warm up upon arrival and start footwork drills.

Novice Program ( Early Class )

If you were a beginner fencer last term, you are now a Novice fencer. If you have fenced before and you want to brush up your skills, the Novice program may be right for you. But we will need to ensure that your fencing skills are up to par before you move to the next level.

Classes will consist of warm-ups, footwork, structured lessons and bouting/sparring. The Novice Program has a smaller class size, you will be given more attention from the coaches.

In terms of equipment, if you haven’t been able to purchase your own equipment yet, you may take advantage of the remaining equipment in our club armoury - for a cost.

Weapons are always available for free.

Open Program ( Late Class )

The Late Classes are for our intermediate and more experienced fencers.

Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Remember the more classes you take the better your skills will be. And it takes a long time to get really good.

Classes will consist of structured lessons and will lead into our competitive bouting session. The format of these classes starts with footwork, then, bladework and finally with bouting/sparring. (Excluding focus drills and other surprises.)

They may also take some lessons from our coaches and advanced fencers.

All athletes are expected to warm up upon arrival and start footwork drills.

Competitive Bouting

This is included with your registration in the Open Program. There are no formal classes. All weapons are in play and fencers usually just challenge each other for fun and exercise. And they will sometimes make use of the electrical scoring equipment. (Setup and teardown is not included.)

It is also offered as a drop-in for experienced fencers who may not wish or have time to attend regular classes. Visitors must have their own equipment. Our armoury is not available.

Non-club members are always welcome and can come in for FREE but must have proof of a CURRENT CFF Membership (or other valid passport from another jurisdiction).

Training Schedule

Mondays: 

6:15 pm: Doors Open

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Youth Beginner 

7:45 pm - 8:45 pm: Adult Beginner

Tuesdays/Thursdays:

6:15pm: Doors Open / Warm-up

6:30pm - 7:30pm: Novice

7:45pm - 9:00pm: Open Intermediate/Advanced

9:00pm - 9:45pm: Competitive Bouting

Class times and days are subject to change as coaching and space dictates.

Rates

Our payment rates are based upon registration into a 15 week term. If a class is cancelled due to coach/venue conflict (or due to a holiday) it will be made up at the end of the term or another option offered in its place.

Beginner Program:

One night/week:

Two nights/week:

Discount options also available for multiple athletes in a single family.

NOTE:

These rates no longer cover the cost of the National and Provincial membership fees. All athletes (except U10 Minis and members of the beginner programs) are required to have a CFF membership number, which will be provided when you pay your annual dues. 

Every paid member will have to print out their own membership card, which service is available at the bottom right corner of the CFF application page.