The sport of fencing has come along way since starting over 1000 years ago. Then again, for many years it wasn’t a sport at all instead a method of survival. Many of the moves still taught today were originally used to teach soldiers how to fight on the battle field. As armour became heavier and sturdier, the swords became long and cumbersome weapons. Individuals had to use great strength, not skill, to wield them. With the discovery of gun powder, armour became obsolete. This led to a dramatic change in the art of fencing. Weapons now became lighter for a more rapid execution of movements. Swordplay versus brute strength occurred and the fencing master appeared to teach individuals in the art and tactics of fencing. Dueling became fashionable among the nobles, but was outlawed by Louis XIV due to too many deaths. It was at this point that fencing actually began to become the sport we know today.
Fencing was reintroduced into modern day Olympics in 1896 and has been going strong ever since. An electrical scoring apparatus for epee was introduced in the 1930's and was followed in the 1950's by apparatus for foil and in the 1980's by apparatus for sabre. The development of electrical scoring apparatus and more concise rules has made the sport more exciting than ever.
The FMFC offers the following classes:
INTRO TO FENCING
This is for anyone age 12-adult interested in learning to fence. The class emphasis is on the basic fundamentals of fencing. The foil is used to teach basic blade work concepts. Basic form,tactics, and bouting are included in the class. Participants need to wear sweatpants and court shoes (NO shorts). Fencing equipment is supplied by FMFC.
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FOIL  |
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This class is for those students who have completed the "Intro to Fencing" class or who can demonstrate a basic knowledge of fencing actions with the foil. This class builds upon the techniques developed in the "Intro to Fencing" class. More detailed blade work, footwork, and tactics for the foil are learned and practiced. Foil which evolved from the short court sword of the 17th and 18th centuries. The foil started as a lighter and more flexible weapon for the practice of fencing. The blade is quadrangular in shape and since only the front and back of the torsos considered target, the bell-shaped guard is much smaller than the epee. As with epee, hits are made only with the point of the blade. |
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EPEE  |
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This class is for those students who have completed the "Intro to Fencing" class. This class build upon the techniques developed in the "Intro to Fencing" class. More detailed blade work, footwork, and tactics for the epee are learned and practiced. Ownership of fencing gear not required, but recommended. The Epee is considered the original dueling sword. It was developed in the middle of the 19th century to train individuals for duels. If you’ve seen any movie with a lot of swordplay in it chances are you are watching epee. The weapon's blade is somewhat triangular in shape and quite stiff to bend. Since the whole body is considered target, the guard is large and bell-shape to protect the hand from hits. Hits to target are made with the point of the blade only. "Epee fencing requires a special techinique, courage, opportunism and concentration of effort in the highest degree. It is the highest expression of the art of fencing, because it alone is based on the conception of hitting the opponent without oneself being hit" C-L de Beaumont (1978) Fencing - Ancient Art and Modern Sport |
For group classes check here.
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
One-on-one instruction with a professional fencing coach. This type of lessons are geared toward the competitive fencer who is looking to improve his/her tournament performance. The pricing for individual lessons is here.
It is required to sign the FMFC waiver prior to starting classes:
