What to Expect at a Trial Fencing Class
Thinking about it but unsure what you’re getting yourself into? We have put some common questions/answers below. We are a very welcoming club and we think you’ll have fun here!
Setting Up a Trial Class
First Email Us. Email info@triplethreatfencing.com and let us know you’d like to come in to the club. Let us know age, experience, other athletics that you do. If you know someone else who fences or have seen it on TV, let us know that too. This information will help us pick the best class for you to join.
Is this even safe? This club is Olympic Fencing—not medieval fencing! The swords are not sharp. The epee, foil, and saber are equipment like a tennis racquet or baseball bat—not a real weapon. Like other sports, fencing has safety gear including a metal face mask and layers of protective clothes. Studies show that Olympic Fencing is actually safer than Badminton! Link: Is Fencing a Safe Sport? Studies shows it’s safer than badminton!
We have loaner- gear to borrow. This includes the white uniform, face mask, and the epee/saber/foil.
Just Do It! If you are thinking about it and reading this page, then give it a try. You don’t need any experience. You don’t need any fencing gear. You don’t have to pay anything for a trial class. You dress for a gym class (long pants) and gym shoes and bring a positive attitude.
We always make room for fencers’ friends, so invite some friends. Depending on age and experience, we will bring you in to a Kids’ Beginner class or an Intro Session. It is always more fun to try something new with someone you already know. Besides, this is a chance to (safely) wack them with a sword.
Ages. We have fencers age 6-70+! It is a lifelong sport. So you can start any time. We have fencers who have fenced their whole lives and fencers who started at 50.
Fencing Goals. Fencing can be whatever you need it to be. We have fencers going to national and international competitions. We have fencers who do this as a recreational workout. We have fencers who use the explosive cardio and strategic thinking skills from fencing as a cross-training for other sports. We have fencers using this as impressive extra curricular for college admissions.
We ALWAYS email back so please check your spam folder if you don’t hear back with an invitation to come in for a trial.
What Happens at a Trial Class?
You Will Fence at the Trial. At the trial class, you will do actual fencing. There will be a warm up, some drills, and some fencing. So be prepared to work out. There are different styles of Olympic Fencing: Epee, Foil, Saber. All you need to know about fencing (olympics.com) Each has different rules and strategies. Many fencers do more than one style.
What do I wear? It’s a gym class! It is not just a lecture or watching. So wear gym shoes and long pants. No fencing in shorts so that your legs are protected. Bring a water bottle. Let us know if you need an accommodation. We have the equipment and gear for you to borrow.
Coming To The Club
Where is this place? We are in Indian Trail, off Highway 74 right after the KIA Dealership—in the 4600 block of Independence Blvd– (U Turn just after the dealership, for some reason maps may take you farther down Independence). For google maps—2613 Executive Point Dr Monroe.
When you get to the club. When you come inside, the parent area is to your right. The gear and desk are to your left. Look straight through and it is the fencing floor. It is a big place but we are a friendly club. Ask anyone for Coach Boris, Coach Oleksii, or Coach Chris to show you around. Bring the USA Fencing Trial Form (included with the invitation) and sign in at the table (just write TRIAL as your class). Most importantly—HAVE FUN!
What if I like it?
The trial class is free and no obligation. Tuition is $200/ month and family discounts are available. We are a USA Fencing Premium Club. USA Fencing sets the standards for Olympic Fencing in the United States. All of our fencers are members of USA Fencing. Link: https://member.usafencing.org/membership-types If you have questions, just email us.