Plenty of people discover fencing as adults. Some watched it at the Olympics, some fenced in college and stopped, some bring a child to class and decide they want to try it themselves. Whatever the reason, the start is the same as for everyone at our club: one free class.
The adult class
- When: Wednesday, 8:00 to 9:15 PM.
- Who: adults aged 19 and over, both beginners and experienced fencers.
- Where: 13581 Pond Springs Rd, Suite 308, Austin. Free parking.
- Price: $120 a month for adult beginners after the free class, plus the $500 annual membership every member pays.
- Kit: lent free for the first month, then $40 a month to rent, or bring your own.
If you are 18, you train with the 12 to 18 group on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday evening instead. The adult class starts at 19.
Why adults take up sabre
Sabre is the fastest of the three fencing weapons. You score with the edge or the point of the blade, anywhere above the waist except the hands, and bouts come in short, intense bursts. That makes it a demanding workout for the legs and the lungs, and at the same time a mental game: reading the opponent, judging distance, choosing the moment. If you want the full picture of the three weapons, read sabre, foil and épée: what is the difference?
What if I am not very fit?
You do not need to be fit to start. In fencing, beginners usually start with the stance, the footwork and how to hold the sabre, and fitness comes with the training. If you have an injury or a health condition, mention it when you call, so the coach knows.
What if I fenced before?
Welcome back. The class is open to experienced fencers as well as beginners. Tell Coach Pasha which weapon you fenced and for how long, and he will take it from there. If you fenced foil or épée, much of the footwork and the sense of distance carries over to sabre.
Fencing with your child
If your child fences with us too, you can both start at the same time: when you leave your number, choose "My child and me", and the coach sorts out the classes for both of you when he calls back. Children train in their own age groups, so you will be in the Wednesday adult class and your child in theirs. At what age can a child start fencing? lists the groups by age.
How to start
- Call Coach Pasha at (408) 592-1244, or leave your number on the free class page and choose "Myself, I am 18 or older". He calls back within 24 hours.
- Come to the Wednesday class 10 minutes early, in sneakers and athletic clothes, with a towel and a water bottle. You sign the registration and waiver form before the class.
- We lend you the mask, jacket, glove and blade.
- After the class, you decide. There is nothing to pay for the free class; if you want to continue, you sign the membership agreement and pay at your next class.
