Salem Classical Fencing

Interested in learning to fence? We'll teach you!

Private lessons

Private lessons for students of all age levels are available by appointment.

1/2 hour lesson with Mr. Heggen -- $20
Introductory, novice, and intermediate foil lessons

1/2 hour lesson with Mr. Villarreal -- $15
Introductory and novice foil lessons (students with up to 18 months of fencing)

Introductory foil classes

These classes are all-ages (minimum age 12) and are co-ed. Classes include fencing history and theory, as well as technique and form. We teach a predominantly French style of classical foil fencing, with some Italian influences. Introductory foil classes include the use of the studio's fencing equipment.

	Introductory Foil Summer Camp -- This week-long day camp is for boys and girls age 12-18. It will take the newcomer to fencing through the same curriculum as in Introductory Foil Fencing I. Students will emerge ready to enroll in the Intro Foil II class in September. Camp runs August 2-6, 2004, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Limited to 12 students. Students will need to wear sweats, T-shirt, and athletic shoes -- all other equipment will be provided. Minimum age is 12 years old. Students will need to provide their own lunch and snack. Cost is $125 (a limited number of reduced-fee scholarships are available -- please ask Mr. Heggen). To register for camp, please send e-mail to Mr. Heggen or call 503-375-9209.
	Introductory Foil Fencing I -- This class takes the complete newcomer to fencing through a total of 28 hours of instruction. It covers very basic footwork and bladework. In about the eleventh week of the course, students will begin sparring. The next sections of this class will begin the week of September 14, 2004. Note: This class is also offered through the Salem YMCA Fencing Club. If our schedule doesn't mesh with yours, or if you are already a member of the YMCA, please check out their program.
	Introductory Foil Fencing II -- This class takes students from Intro Foil I through an additional 28 hours of instruction, covering additional parries and footwork, as well as visually-judged bouting. Requires an additional hour per week of fencing outside of class. Combined with Intro Foil I, this makes for a solid six-month grounding in the basics of classical foil fencing. Pre-requisite: Introductory Foil Fencing I. The next two sections of this class will begin the week of September 14, 2004.

Intermediate foil classes

Our intermediate classes alternate between defense and offense each semester. These all-ages co-ed classes focus on refining and improving what the novice- to intermediate-level fencer already knows. Students engage in journaling, critiques, extensive drill (both paired and line drills), and focused sparring sessions. The classes are well-suited to the fencer looking for a refresher course after being away from fencing for several months (or years). These classes are designed to be repeated.
Pre-requisite: at least one semester of fencing experience beyond Intro II (or instructor approval). Minimum age for intermediate classes is fourteen years old (unless approved by the instructor).

Intermediate Foil - Defense -- This class places a very heavy emphasis on defensive bladework, footwork, and mindset. We work especially on the simple idea of not being touched ("Don't get hit!"), proper use of distance, and uniting the four core parries into an effective system beyond mere rapid movement from quarte to sixte and vice versa.
The next section(s) of this class will begin in January 2005.

Intermediate Foil - Offense -- This class places a heavy emphasis on the attack. In particular, we work on smoothing out footwork, improving point control, using distance effectively, and refining the understanding of right-of-way.
The next section(s) of this class will begin in the week of September 14, 2004.