Are you new to fencing?
The sport of Fencing has been compared to many things, the most popular is "Physical Chess" as the sport requires precise thought and decision making while being active and executing controlled movements. As a sport, fencing develops balance, muscle control, reflexes and critical thinking. Competitors analyze their opponents and then defeat them using the appropriate techniques.  While Epee is somewhat like a cross between a chess match and a ballet, Saber is more like a cross between Monday Night Football and chess.  Each type of fencing has its own characteristics and there is a style of fencing that will be suitable for you.

Who Should Fence?
Everyone! Young and old alike are welcome to join and try fencing.  We have club members ranging in age from about 8 to 60 years old.  A person is never too old to challenge themselves by trying a new activity (A competitor at the Veteran World Championships in 2010 was in his 90s), and numerous studies have shown the benefit children get from sports participation (many of the top US fencers started as children and now represent their country at World Championships and the Olympics).

Is It Complicated to Learn?
Like golf, it may take years to master, you will learn to be able to watch and score a match in just 8 weeks. We teach both fencing and basic bout directing to ensure that each athlete knows how to judge touches appropriate to their level of experience. A concept such as "Right-of-Way" is broken into its parts and explained through the course so that you know not only what happened, but also if you did the right thing each time. Parents and family members are also encouraged to participate and learn the basics of Right-of-Way so they may better understand the sport of fencing.

Beginners become competitors at the Northwest Indiana Fencing Club.  Whether your goal is to get a simple weekly workout by fencing with fellow club members or to gain a competitive advantage in regional USFA sactioned events, you can meet your fencing goals at NIFC.

We regularly offer beginners classes in saber.   Cost of the instruction is $50.00 for the eight week class.  Students can either provide their own equipment, or, we have a limited supply of rental equipment available on a first come-first serve basis ($25 for the 8 week class).   Beginner's sets are available from most fencing suppliers and generally cost between $100 and $125.   The class will run for eight consecutive Mondays (except holidays).  Anyone interested in joining the beginner's class is welcome to visit our club on either Monday or Wednesday from 6:30pm until 8:30pm to meet our club coach and club members, get any questions answered about our sport or necessary equipment, and to watch actual fencing bouts.

The beginners class will teach the basics of fencing etiquette and rules, proper footwork and movement, attack, defense, and strategy, physical conditioning and the basics of competitive fencing.  The final session of the beginner's class will be a practice tournament modeled after a real competitive event.   

Head Coach Marc Ryser helps high school sophomore Andrew do some pre-practice stretching.

NIFC OFFERS 8 WEEK BEGINNER'S CLASSES

The next 8 week beginner's class has not been scheduled.

Coach Ryser leads a group in pre-session warms ups.  Stretching and warming up before any intensive training or practice is one way to minimize injuries.

Instruction in both Epee and/or Foil is available.  Please contact us, or stop in and talk to Coach Ryser for detail during our Monday or Wednesday sessons between 6:30 and 8:30pm.

Rich and Laura Maro prove that fathers and daughters can enjoy time together.  We have a long history of families fencing together at NIFC, it is common for families to learn fencing in our beginners courses and just as common for family members to compete in tournaments against each other as their skill levels progress.