At the Barrington Fencing Club, we're about having fun while learning how to fence (and practicing fencing).  At every session, there is preliminary stretching and group instructional drilling for new fencers and those wanting to brush up on their technique. 

In 2010, our regular Tuesday sessions start at 6:30 (Novice Fencers) and 7:30 (Experienced Fencers).  Novice Fencers - i.e., those who have not yet demonstrated their fencing proficiency - have the floor from 6:30  to 7:30.  During this time they will engage in stretching, footwork drills and learn the basics of good fencing technique.  From 7:30-8:30, our more experienced fencers take the floor, obtain instruction and bout each other.  Typically, the BFC's electrical scoring equipment is used by members at this time.  There is also informal bouting among our other fencers - mostly foil, but also among our saberists and epeeists (the latter being a small minority at this point).  Novice Fencers are encouraged to watch and learn from our more experienced fencers.  Once a Novice Fencer demonstrates his/her proficiency, s/he is permitted to "move up" to the join the more experienced fencers.   Some of our most experienced fencers graciously provide one-on-one instructional tips to our newest (and newer) members.  No bouting occurs without proper equipment (mask/jacket/glove)!  Safety is paramount!

Our fencers come in all shapes and sizes and range in age from 9 to 75.  Our fencers nclude ex-college fencing coaches, retired airline pilots and Himalayan climbers.  Most of our fencers are middle-school and high-schoolers, but many participants are younger or older.  So far, two of our former members have fenced in college as NCAA varsity fencers.

In August 2006 we acquired our first electric (foil) fencing equipment - electric equipment is used in all USFA and FIE (International) competitions.  We use our electric equipment to keep our fencers "competition ready".

When Do You Accept Beginners?
In 2010 we will accept beginner foil fencers on any of our Novice Fencing Nights.  Our Novice Fencing Nights are currently scheduled for January 5, April 6, June 29 and September 14.

Our Novice Fencers participate in structured group drilling and lessons from 6:30-7:30; our more experienced fencers participate in practice bouts and share pointers with each other from 7:30-9:00.  Instruction is given to fencers of all skill levels every week - through structured drilling, individual instruction and by sharing pointers with one another.

We welcome new members at any time.  However, those who have never fenced before are restricted to starting lessons on our Novice Fencer Nights.

Low Cost

The BFC strives mightily to keep fencing affordable, and our membership rates reflect this. There are two reasons why our dues are so low: (1) the BFC members who administer the BFC and instruct our new fencers do so for free, and (2) St. Michael's generously allows us to use its space gratis.  Because we rely on the generosity of St. Michael's for the use of its space, from time to time we are required to cancel our regular Tuesday session when St. Michael's is in need of its own space.

For simplicity's sake, our dues are paid on a calendar year/half year basis, and are NOT pro-rated.  If an individual joins the BFC from January through June, Dues are $50 for the rest of the calendar year.  If you join July through December, individual Dues are $25 for the rest of the calendar year.  (Family memberships are $90 and $45 respectively.)  If you join as part of the Novice Fencer's Package (which includes equipment and lessons), your Dues are good for the balance of the calendar year - whenever you begin.

Where Can I Learn More About Fencing?

A good place to learn more about fencing is at any of the following websites:

www.usfencing.org   (website of the Unites States Fencing Association)

www.totheescrime.org/IFC/   (the Illinois Fencers Club website)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencing  

A Good Book:  Fencing: Steps to Success (Steps to Success Activity Series)by Elaine Cheris ( available at www.amazon.com )

Where can I buy fencing equipment?  Here are some of the vendors with whom we've had great experiences:

TCA:                  www.tcafencing.com

Physical Chess:  www.physicalchess.com

Blade Fencing:  www.blade-fencing.com

Blue Gauntlet:  www.blue-gauntlet.com

Interesting Factoids About BFC Members:

• One BFC Member has fenced for 60+ years
• One BFC Member has climbed the highest mountain on each continent (the "7 Summits"), and has trekked to both the North and South Poles
• 2 former BFC members have participated as NCAA varsity fencers
• Several of our BFC members are/have been home-schooled

Copyright © 2005-2010 Barrington Fencing Club.  All Rights Reserved.