Beginners Courses
Our experienced coaches offer a dedicated course of small group lessons for beginner fencers, both adults and juniors. All our fencing courses are exciting and lively.
If you are interested in joining us for a beginners course, please get in contact with us at: info@wellingtonswords.club
Each class is taught to improve speed and co-ordination and develop specific fencing skills and tactical thinking, with plenty of co-ordination based games for the juniors. There is ample opportunity during the course for you to put your new found fencing skills into practice – meaning plenty of sword fighting!
Our skilled coaches are here to coach and motivate, helping you build your skills, tactics and fitness levels.
If you have any questions which aren’t covered in the FAQs below, you can contact the club at: info@wellingtonswords.club
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
We keep our costs low as possible, to make fencing available to everyone. The six week adult course is £45, the youth course is £36.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Dress as if you are going to the gym! Something you can run around in comfortably, and stretch in. Trainers, t-shirt, and loose trousers – jogging bottoms or leggings are good – but definitely no jeans, shorts, skirts or dresses!
DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
All specialist protective clothing and fencing equipment is provided. In time, should you choose to join the weekly sessions on a regular basis, you might want to start purchasing your own kit, but there is no rush to do so, and different items can be acquired piecemeal over time. The club can help you buy equipment from its new and second-hand stock.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
A bottle of water, snacks, and a willingness to have fun!
IS FENCING DANGEROUS?
Fencing is an incredibly safe sport. It is perfectly normal to collect the odd small bruise or scratch (it is important to have the odd war wound to show off to your friends!) but your protective clothing is designed to keep you safe. All fencing swords have protective rubber caps for beginners, or flat pea-sized tips when progressing to electric equipment – fencing has come a long way from its historical beginnings, and drawing blood is no longer the aim!
IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG?
Children may begin with us as young as eight years old, but whether they are ready depends in part on their maturity. If your child is old enough to concentrate on instructions, follow direction and work well within the class, they will always be welcome at Wellington Swords.
There is no ‘right’ personality for fencing. Some children are sporty and athletic, others more shy and cautious – all can develop their own style, learn to be successful, and have fantastic fun while fencing.
AM I TOO OLD?
Absolutely not! Many fencers start later in life. If you move more slowly than you used to, there is still a fencing style for you – you’ll learn to think faster! If you are fit enough for some light exercise, you are young enough to fence.
CAN FENCING HELP ME GET FIT?
Let’s be honest – is there a more exciting way to get fit than fighting your friends with swords?!
Fencing is an excellent way to gradually build your fitness. Starting slowly as a beginner, you will build your core strength, muscle tone and general fitness as your skills improve. As with all sports, you will get out of it what you put into it. While fencing at the highest level is vigorous and dynamic, club fencing can be steadier and less demanding, particularly while you learn. We encourage fencers to work at their own level to avoid injury and ensure that they enjoy this fabulous sport.
If you are in any doubt about a health issue which may affect your ability to fence, we would recommend that you ask your GP. Fencing is generally performed in short bursts with plenty of time to rest and rehydrate in between, and the club will help you find a fencing style for your ability.
WILL I ENTER COMPETITIONS?
There are fencing competitions aimed at all ages and abilities – youths, cadets, juniors, novices, veterans and the open classes. Many fencers enjoy the weekly sessions and prefer not to compete, or do so only sporadically. Once you have mastered the basics, it is up to you – if you would like to compete your coach can advise you on where to start.
