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

Introductory Foil Fencing II

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.

You will also need to 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.

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

The only equipment you need to provide is:

Athletic shoes (don’t buy shoes without checking with instructor)
Sweats or tights (no shorts -- for safety reasons)
T-shirt, tank top, or exercise top
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)

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

Once you have decided that fencing is something you wish to stick with, you are encouraged to purchase your own equipment. Please ask your instructor for guidance. Also see our list of fencing suppliers.

You will need to allow time for one two-hour meeting each week for the entire 14 weeks, plus an additional hour of practice outside of class each week. 

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 at the instructor’s convenience. 

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 30% 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

At the conclusion of this class, you will be a novice fencer. You will be welcome to continue fencing at the studio's open fencing sessions. To do this, you will need to purchase your own equipment and continue paying your monthly dues to the studio. Ask your instructor for assistance with your equipment purchase.

We suggest that you fence at the studio for one or two semesters and then consider taking Intermediate Foil -- Offense or Intermediate Foil -- Defense.

Page created 5/12/2004.    Last updated 05/12/04 at 18:02.
This web page © 2004 by Michael Heggen. All rights reserved.