FENCING: There are 3 different disciplines or events within the sport of Fencing. Saber, Epee and Foil. Typical bouts are scored to 5 touches, with the first fencer to reach 5 being the winner of the bout.
SABER is a very fast-paced weapon, with bouts characterized by quick footwork and cutting with the side of the blade. Sabre is often claimed to be modeled after a cavalry saber used when fighting upon horseback (the allowed target area is only from the waist up, the region a mounted man could reach on a foe on the ground), however others believe the saber was modeled after the Italian duelling saber. Saber is a right-of-way weapon, which means that the fencer must take certain actions to get the right to score a point. A typical 5 touch bout can take less than 1 minute to complete.
FOIL was invented in France as a training weapon in the middle of the 18th century in order to practice fast and elegant thrust fencing. Fencers blunted the point by wrapping a foil around the blade or fastening a knob on the point ("blossom", French fleuret). Modern Foils have a button on the tip of the blade that is connected to an electronic scoring box. Target area for Foil fencing is the TORSO of the body. A typical 5 touch bout can take several minutes to complete.
EPEE is the modern derivative of the dueling sword, the smallsword (itself descended from the rapier, used in sport fencing). Épée is French for "sword". As a thrusting weapon the épée is similar to a foil but has a stiffer blade that is V-shaped in cross-section, has a larger bell guard, and is heavier. The technique however, is somewhat different, as there are no rules regarding priority and right of way. In addition, the entire body is a valid target area from the tip of the toe to the top of the head. A typical 5 touch bout can take several minutes to complete.
Coach Ryser works with several members on improving technique and strategy.
Beginners equipment needed for class: Mask, jacket, glove, blade (usually available as a beginners set).
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE ANYTHING, please see us at the fencing club, we can often order for you and we will pass on our discounts. If you prefer to order your own equipment we will help direct to suppliers and help you with equipment selection. We have an extensive selection of equipment that we can loan to students.
Mask: The club has a limited number of loaner masks available for students in various sizes. These are available on a first come basis. Most students do not buy a mask until they decide if they will become a competitive fencer or until they commit to the sport. Club fencing requires a puncture resistance of 350 Newtons for safety reasons most masks on the market are suitably rated. Mask prices range from about $80 up to several hundred dollars with higher end masks being both stronger and lighter, often with removable/replaceable components.
Glove & Cuff: The fencing Glove is a long cuff glove with padding over the back of your hand to protect you from injury. Some gloves have a lame cuff that allows you to eliminate the cuff. You will need to specify a size and hand (either left- or right-handed) The Cuff is used only when fencing on an electrified strip and not needed for individual practice; it provides a continuous conductive surface to your wrist, which is required for scoring purposes and works with the Lame.
Jacket: Fencing jackets offer protection to your arms and torso and are available with either front zipper (recommended) or back zipper (not recommended) styles. Stretch fabrics may be more comfortable for competition fencers, but more economical cotton fabric jackets are very common for clubs and recreational fencers. You will need to specify a size and hand (either left- or right-handed).
Lame: The Lame is a conductive over jacket that is worn over your fencing jacket and is connected, by low voltage wires, to a "scoring box" when a fencer is on an electric strip during a bout. Lames are used in SABER and FOIL bouts, but are not needed for EPEE. A Saber Lame looks like a jacket while a Foil Lame is shaped like a typical sleeveless vest. Beginners do NOT need to purchase a Lame since the club has a wide selection of sizes available for students and members to use while fencing at the club, these are available for use on a first come/first serve basis. More advanced members typically choose to purchase their own Lame and prices and styles vary from roughly $100 to well over $300 depending on many factors.
Blade: Blades may be borrowed from the club for lessons and recreational fencing. We have a wide selection of basic blades that are available for recreational members. For fencers who wish to purchase their own Electric Saber (size 5, S-2000 blade) you will need to specify left- or right-handed (the socket location is reversed) when ordering your weapon. As your skills progress there are various blade characteristics that you may find desirable, costs can range from about $25 to over $100 for the blade alone, entire weapons typically range from $65 to over $150. Epee and Foil blades are priced similarly.
Fencing Shoes: competitive fencers may want to invest in a pair of specialized fencing shoes, however most fencers can utilize most style of athletic shoes. Any shoe with a cushioned heel and flat sole are suitable; examples would include indoor soccer shoes, court shoes or exercise shoes. Wrestling shoes do not have suitable heel padding and should be avoided.
For women: chest protector (either 1 piece full chest coverage or 2 piece minimal coverage)
For men: protective cup
Optional equipment: Knickers, Plastron (under-arm protector required for competition), Equipment Bag
MEMBERSHIP: Your annual membership dues at the club allow you (and a child under 18) to join the club. Membership also includes basic beginners lessons for members who wish to participate in lessons. Many of our members are recreational members, some show up for periodic exercise, others show up for most/all practices and events. Whatever your choice, we encourage you to fence without the need to be pressured beyond your desires. We will encourage you to compete in USFA events if that is your desire as your skills advance, but if you only want the occasional workout to stay in shape you are equally welcome at the Northwest Indiana Fencing Club.
VISITORS: Visiting USFA members from outside of the area are welcome to join us during our regular fencing times. There is no fee for the occasional visitor who comes to the club during our normal fencing hours however we do require anyone who fences to sign a liability waiver.
FENCING STUDENTS: People who take lessons are not required to be members of the club.
Club Armorour Dale Block also serves double duty as Saber Coach for the Marian Catholic High School team. Here club members Laura Maro, Melen Skurka and Miranda Melone are accompanied by Coach Block at a high school tournament.
