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

Introductory Foil Fencing I

Mr. Michael C. Heggen, Instructor
Mr. Rafael S. Villarreal III, Assistant Instructor

[ Up ] [ Expectations ] [ Syllabus ]

Expectations

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.

After the 12th class, please make time to come in and fence at one of the open fencing times for at least one hour per week. Open fencing times are posted in the studio, and are also available online. 

Respect and Courtesy

Follow the rules of the studio at all times.

While in the studio, 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.

Safety

Safety is not something we take lightly. Fencing is a safe sport, but only if you make it that way. If you choose to act rashly or inappropriately, you endanger yourself and those around you.  

You will fence safely. You will observe all safety instructions, including taking responsibility for your foil, wearing proper clothing and equipment, and using correct form.

Equipment

Do not buy your own fencing equipment without asking the instructor first, as he can provide valuable advice. The only equipment you need to provide is:

Athletic shoes (don’t buy new shoes without checking with instructor)
Sweats or tights (no shorts or jeans -- legs should be covered to at least the knee in non-restrictive clothing)
T-shirt, tank top, or exercise top
Dry shirt (optional -- 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 and/or braid it)

Fencing jackets, masks, gloves, and foils will be supplied by the club for your lessons. Equipment will not be signed out to students.

You will need to allow time for one two-hour meeting each week for the entire 14 weeks. Fencing is learned sequentially, so missing a class will leave you at a substantial disadvantage for subsequent classes, as they build on previous knowledge. 

Attendance will be taken. Missed classes must be made up. Because the studio staff is all-volunteer, make-up classes must be scheduled at the instructors' convenience. Too many missed classes may result in you being asked to repeat the class.

There will be no homework or out-of-class practice during the first 11 weeks. Practicing outside of class during this time can lead to incorrect form which must then be corrected. Do not practice outside of class until given permission to do so.

After the 12th class, students will be strongly encouraged to spar with other fencers at the studio. You will need to set aside an additional hour each week to do this. The instructor will give you further guidance when that time comes.

You must be willing to learn. Fencing is not instinctive -- it must be learned by a willing student and taught by a qualified instructor.

While we believe that most people will enjoy fencing enough to want to complete the class, we realize that fencing is not for everyone. Typically, about 25% of each group does not complete the class. 

Unfortunately, tuition and membership fees are not refundable. Students who are withdrawn involuntarily from the class by the instructor will receive neither refund nor credit. Disciplinary withdrawals will not be eligible to retake the class for a period of one year.

Continuing On

Students of this class are welcome to come to open fencing nights to spar with other fencers after the 12th class. At the conclusion of this class, you are strongly encouraged to immediately take Introductory Foil Fencing II in order to complete your introduction to fencing. 

However, some of you may choose to simply fence at the studio for a semester. To do this, you will need to purchase your own equipment and continue paying your monthly dues to the studio.