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ABOUT FENCING
Fencing is a combat sport that evolved from dueling. In modern fencing there are three different weapons, each with its own rules. When you think of fencing, you most likely think of foil. The foil is the lightest of the three weapons and has the smallest hand guard. In foil, points are scored by landing a touch on the opponent’s torso, excluding the arms. The rules of foil are the most complex of the three, with specifics regarding who earns the point if both fencers make contact. Sabres are slashing weapons with a curved hand guard. Points are scored in sabre by making contact with the side of the blade against any point on the opponent’s body above the waist, including the hands and arms. Épées are heavier than a foil and have a larger bell guard to protect the hand (the fencers in the picture to the left are using épées). Points are scored in épée for making contact with any part of the opponent’s body using the tip of the blade. At Orion, all fencers begin with foil, and may branch out to other weapons after completing the beginner’s course if they choose.
Fencing Equipment
Jacket
The fencing jacket is a staple. Made of thick canvas, the jacket protects the chest and arms from cuts. Fencers in all three weapons wear a standard fencing jacket.
Arm Guard
This is an additional piece worn underneath the jacket on the weapon arm. It acts as an extra layer of padding to protect the shoulder, chest, and ribs from cuts and bruises.
Lamé
A lamé is a metallic jacket that is worn over the top of the white fencing jacket in foil, épée, and sabre. It is used with body cords to turn on a light when a touch lands on target. The lamé above is for foil, the ones for sabre have full sleeves.
Glove
The glove is worn on the weapon hand. It is padded and made of thick material to protect the hand.
Mask
The mask has a wire mesh front to protect the face from hits or broken blades. The mesh is designed to be strong, yet easy to see through. The bottom of the mask has a canvas bib to protect the throat and upper chest, ensuring that no skin is exposed.
Pants
In tournament, fencers wear white calf-length pants. They have suspenders that go under the jacket to ensure that no skin is exposed between the pants and the jacket. You don’t need special pants for lessons! Regular old athletic pants will do just fine. Just make sure that they are longer than the knee to protect your thighs and knees from cuts.
Chest Protector
The chest plate is worn under the jacket and arm guard. It is made of sturdy plastic and protects the chest and ribs from bruises. There are a few different styles to choose from, depending on your sport and preference.
Shoes
You don’t need anything fancy for shoes, just something that you can be active in. It is helpful to have shoes with good grip and/or clean soles to keep traction as you fence.
Blade
The blade is, clearly, the essence of fencing. In the picture above, the blades are (from left to right) a pistol-grip foil, a French grip foil, an épée, and a sabre.
Body Cords
Body cords plug in to the weapon, then run inside the sleeve and down inside of the jacket to plug in to a reel of cord at either end of each strip. These cords use an electric circuit to turn on a light when a touch is landed on target for foil or sabre fencers. The reels allow fencers free movement up and down the strip without becoming a tripping hazard.
WHO CAN TAKE CLASSES AT ORION?
Orion has classes for anyone over the age of 7. Younger fencers are welcome, just contact us for details. We pride ourselves on being an accessible and inclusive environment. We have had fencers as young as 4 and as old as 80. We have had fencers of widely different background including fencers with various physical and mental disabilities, fencers of all ages, and fencers of all skill levels. Whether you are a skilled fencer or you’re just starting out, there is a place for you at Orion. If you have the passion, we’ll provide everything else.
IS FENCING SAFE?
Fencing is a combat sport, which contains a certain amount of risk. That being said, we have equipment and rules that are designed to protect the safety of everyone present. All fencers must wear a jacket, a mask, and appropriate shoes while fencing. Blades are not sharp and are designed to break before they reach the point of injuring someone. If you have any questions about fencing and health, please ask us and consult with your doctor.
WILL I BE ABLE TO COMPETE IN TOURNAMENTS?
Yes! There are tournament opportunities through Orion at all of our age and skill levels. No one is required to participate in tournaments, but anyone is welcome.
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Click here to see the USA Fencing Regional Events Calendar. We are region 1.
CAN I ORGANIZE AN EVENT FOR A SMALL GROUP?
Yes! We are always willing to work with schools and clubs to do private fencing events as well. Contact us for more information.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
Orion provides all necessary equipment to get you started with fencing. Show up to lessons with a water bottle, a shirt that is easy to move in (and not too hot: remember you’ll have a canvas jacket over it!), athletic pants that come at least to the knee (no shorts for safety reasons), and athletic shoes and we provide the rest. If you plan to use club equipment, please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your lesson to ensure that you have enough time for outfitting. Our club equipment includes: blades (foil, sabre, and épée with grip options), jackets, lamés, body cords, chest protectors, arm guards, gloves, and masks. We also have shoes and pants available just in case someone forgets.
HOW MUCH DO LESSONS COST?
Our goal is to spread our love of fencing with the community. To that end, we try to keep our costs as low as possible, and your first lesson with us will always be free!
Monthly membership which includes one 20 min lesson or class a week is $95 per month
Drop in rate for a one-time 20 min lesson or classes is $40.
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Click here to see our Pricing Plans
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CANCELLATION AND MISSED CLASS POLICY
Absences can be made up by attending a different class during the week of the missed class or by doubling up (taking a second class) a different week. Absences do not accumulate to become a free month. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange to make up missed classes.
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Make-ups must be used within a week before a planned absence or within 2-weeks after the absence. If a student does not contact Orion regarding the absence to schedule a make-up within that time frame make-ups will not be granted.
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