Member of the
US Fencing Association
(despite our philosophical differences)

Mr. Michael C. Heggen, Instructor

You should be suited up, seated, and ready to learn at class time. Please arrive a few minutes early so that you will be ready to begin. Classes run for two hours. You will be notified of changes in advance.

Respect and Courtesy

Follow the rules of the Salem YMCA Fencing Studio at all times.

Please show respect for your instructors and address them as either "Sir", "Mister Heggen", or "Mister Villarreal". Should Maestro Ciaramitaro (or any other fencing master) drop in, you may address him as "Sir" or simply as "Maestro". Teaching assistants should be addressed by their first name.

Remember at all times that fencing is a co-ed sport of ladies and gentlemen. Treat others as you wish to be yourself treated.

Equipment

You will need the following:

Standard (non-electric) foil (French or Italian grip preferred)
Fencing glove
Fencing jacket
Fencing mask
Athletic shoes (don’t buy shoes without checking with instructor first)
Fencing knickers, sweats or tights (no shorts -- for safety reasons--and no jeans, khakis, or casual pants)
T-shirt, tank top, or exercise top

Optional items include:

Underarm protector -- optional, but recommended
Breast protectors (for women) -- optional, but strongly recommended
Athletic cup (for men) -- some folks wear 'em, some don't -- it's up to you
Dry shirt (to change into after class)
Towel and water bottle (optional)
Sweatband or bandana (optional -- useful with glasses or long hair)
Ponytail holder (if you have long hair, you will need to tie it back)

You will need to allow time for a two-hour meeting each week for the entire 14 weeks. 

Missed classes cannot be made up due to the dynamic nature of the class.

You must be willing to take your fencing to the next level. This will be frustrating at times, and may result in your fencing getting worse in order to get better. 

Students who are withdrawn involuntarily from the class by the instructor will not receive a refund or credit. Disciplinary withdrawals will not be eligible to retake the class for a period of one year.