Why Fencing? The Sport That Sharpens Mind & Body
Fencing is often called “physical chess” — it demands speed, strategy, timing, and reflexes. Whether you’re 8 or 80, fencing offers:
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A full-body workout (footwork, lunges, core strength)
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Mental discipline – you think moves ahead
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A welcoming community and competitive outlet
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A lifelong skill you can enjoy casually or seriously
Plus, it’s safe. Modern fencing uses protective gear, masks, and electrical scoring.
What You’ll Learn: Weapons, Tactics & Terminology
At St. Louis Fencing Club, we teach all three modern Olympic weapons:
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Foil – a light thrusting weapon; target area is torso
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Épée – heavier; whole body is valid target
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Sabre – a cutting & thrusting weapon; target is waist up
We guide you step by step from stance to competition drills. Along the way, you’ll pick up essential fencing vocabulary (great for sounding like a fencer already):
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En garde – the ready/starting position
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Lunge – a classic attack motion forward
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Parry / Riposte – defend first (parry), then counter-attack (riposte)
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Disengage / Feint – tactics to evade your opponent’s blade
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Piste (or “strip”) – the competition floor, about 14 m long by ~1.5-2 m wide
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Bout – one match or duel between two fencers
By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll feel confident stepping into open fencing sessions or local tournaments.
Our Programs & Membership Options
| Program | Best For | What You’ll Get |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Intro Classes | Newcomers (kids & adults) | Basic footwork, en garde, safety, drills |
| Intermediate / Weapons Focus | Those who’ve done a few classes | Technical drills, parry & riposte, bladework |
| Advanced / Competitive | Fencers wanting tournaments | Strategy, live bouts, video review, coaching |
| Open/Club Nights | All levels | Casual fencing, bouts, community time |
| Private Lessons | Personalized speed growth | One-on-one instruction with coach |
We offer flexible pricing (monthly, per class, discounts for families). Gear rental is available for your first few sessions — get started without a big upfront cost.
Why Choose St. Louis Fencing Club?
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Certified coaches with competition experience
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A safe, clean salle (fencing hall) with full electrical scoring
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Beginner-friendly environment — we were in your shoes once
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Regular internal club matches & opportunities to test yourself
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A passionate community of fencers — great for making new friends
Whether you want to pick up a fun new hobby, train seriously, or just get fitter, we’ve got a place for you.
How to Get Started
- Take a trial class — come see the gym, try basic drills, meet instructors
- Sign up for a Beginners’ Session — usually 4–6 classes to build foundation
- Show up consistently — improvement comes with practice
- Join club nights & in-house bouts — fence with others, sharpen skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
Yes — all equipment meets safety standards, and we practice with proper rules, refereeing, and guidance.
Do I need previous athletic ability?
Not at all. We teach from zero. Fencing is accessible to nearly everyone.
When can children start?
We accept children around age 8 (some clubs do younger). Contact us to see what’s best in your community.
Do I need to buy gear immediately?
No. You can rent basic gear initially. We’ll guide you when it’s time to invest in your own.
Join Us — Be Part of the Blade Culture
If you’ve ever been curious, excited, or even a little intimidated by fencing: now’s the time. There’s no better moment than your first parry or your first scored hit. Come explore the art and athleticism of fencing at St. Louis Fencing Club — where every duel is a chance to grow.