Les Amis Fencing Club

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Our Program

Classes and Levels

Les Amis offers instruction from beginner to advanced level. Foil is our primary weapon. Advanced weapon instruction in epee or sabre is available as an adjunct to foil fencing. Eligibility for advanced weapon instruction is at the discretion of the head instructor.

To view advanced class schedule, click here.

Minimum age for students is 13...No Exceptions!!!
We are sorry, but at present we can not accommodate students under age 13. The Les Amis Fencing Club may offer a children only class in the future. If you'd like to be informed if a children only class is offered, join our MAILING LIST.

There is NO MAXIMUM AGE - you are NEVER too old to start!

Beginner Class

Our next beginners class start date is Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 PM.

If you wish to receive an email reminder of when the next beginner class will begin or to just be kept up to date on the latest club news, join our MAILING LIST and we will send you an update.

If you just found our website and missed the first class and are still interested in attending, please contact an instructor or club officer. In many cases, we will be able to accommodate you.

8 Weeks - $50.00

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME FOR YOUR FIRST SESSION. You will need to fill out paperwork, get situated, and the first evening is always a bit confusing for everyone. Allow yourself plenty of time!

$5 is payable at the first lesson, with the balance due at the time of the second lesson the following week. This affords the student an opportunity to try fencing before making the financial commitment to an 8-week course.

Students will learn the basic fencing stance (en garde), advance, retreat, lunge, basic parries, and riposte. The emphasis is on developing strong basic skills.

Students are not encouraged to purchase their own equipment until they have completed the beginner's class. However, we do urge you to acquire your own foil, mask, etc., as soon as you enter the intermediate class.

Intermediate Class (Mondays)

6 - 8 Weeks - $60.00

The intermediate class is 6 - 8 weeks long and picks up at the conclusion of each beginner class. Time permitting, the class may also run on an "as needed" basis for those who need a refresher. This class may also be appropriate for someone with previous instruction or experience who has become a "little rusty."

Here, the skills learned at the beginner level will be further refined and expanded. There will be more of a focus on attacks, bouting strategies and techniques. Students will spend more time fencing the instructor and each other. Emphasis will also be placed on learning to judge a bout.

Advanced Class (Wednesdays)

There is no fixed start or duration for this level.

Advancement from the intermediate class to the advanced class is by head instructor permission. It is a class for students with strong fundamental skills who have demonstrated proficiency at the previous instructional levels. Students are selected based on several factors including: years of fencing experience (and instructor evaluation), tactical thinking, desire to begin competition fencing, aptitude, attitude, proficiency, and safety. All classes will include drills and exercises to apply what has been taught.

Advanced Class Schedule
Ever wanted to know what is going to be covered in upcoming Advanced Classes?
Well here it is. Check back often as more class subjects will continue to be added.
Note: Class topics are subject to change

1. Introduction, centerline en-garde, 1-2, double'.

2. Review of lesson 1, parries 3 & 5, ceding parries.

3. Watchwords of fencing, judging.

4. Judging & directing.

5. Stop touches, time hits & displacement of target.

6. Advanced weapons - Epee.

7. Second intention attacks.

8. Compound ripostes & lines of engagement.

9. Footwork.

10. Attack au fer.

11. Prise de fer.

12. Advanced weapons - Sabre.

13. Strategy & tactics.

14. Renewed Attacks.

15. Close Quarters I.

16. Close Quarters II.

17. Long distance attacks.

18. Free week - student's choice, Q & A, etc.

19. Tournament.

20. Tournament (if needed).

Open Fencing Group

This is an ongoing fencing experience with no fixed starting date or duration.
Many participants in this group attend competitions and work to bring back the knowledge acquired there. This group is open to anyone who has successfully completed the intermediate class but builds upon the skills learned at all levels.

Because of the valuable role competition plays with this group, electric fencing is often utilized and is an essential element of this experience.