Is fencing dangerous?

 Despite the fact that it involves lunging at someone with a metal sword, fencing is much less dangerous than other sports. From 1937 to 1996 there have been only seven fencing fatalities. Comparatively, there were seven fatalities in high school football during the 2008 season alone (Annual Survey of Football Injury Research 1931-2008). Most fencing injuries are bruised hands and fingers, and sprained ankles. (Epidemiology of Sports Injuries, Human Kinetics, 1996) While there is risk in any sport, fencing has one of the best records around.

 Does it hurt?

 Not usually. Sometimes you will take a hard hit and be left with a small bruise, but most fencers want to score a fast touch, not a power hit.

Is fencing expensive?

 Fencing is no more expensive than other sports. A starter set for fencing that includes a jacket, mask, glove, underarm protector, body cord and weapon can run for about $250 and the top one (high end for about $1500). Nike’s Air Jordan Fusion 9 men’s basketball shoes cost $160, good tennis racket cost about $200. Football helmets and fencing masks are about the same price – about $50 for basic masks and helmets, and going over $200 for high-end ones.

Do I have to buy any equipment?

No!  We will provide the equipment needed for class. After you decide to join the club, is good to have your own one (it’s very personal equipment so for healthy purposes you should have your own one).

What if I want to buy my own equipment?

We sell a complete line of fencing equipment at competitive prices.

Do I have to join the Rocky Mountain Fencing Academy to take classes?

No, it is not necessary to join the Rocky Mountain Fencing Academy or pay Club dues in order to enroll in Instructional, Lessons or Competitive classes. You can just pay floor fee which is $20.00 per class (We could ask that you show Rocky Mountain Fencing Academy as your competition club when you join US Fencing.)

What age can you begin fencing?

We have classes for kids as young as ten (Fencing For-Fun – Beginners Class).

Am I not too old  (or to young) for fencing?

 No. Fencing is a sport that combines both mental and physical abilities. In fencing gyms across America you can meet fencers in their eighties, seventies and continue on well past that. Generally, kids under eight are a bit too young, but beyond that there is no age limit.

 Because fencing uses both mental and physical abilities, any body type can fence. A person can use natural athleticism to their advantage, but that won’t be enough to beat someone who has a sneaky plan, a good sense of timing, or great technical skill.

What clothes should I wear?

Fencing is an athletic activity, and athletic attire is recommended.  Participants should wear sneakers (no sandals or Crocs), sweat pants or warm-up pants (shorts aloud during warm-up), and a t-shirt.  Shorts are not allowed when doing blade work or sparring.

Do I have to join the US Fencing Association?

We require USFA membership for insurance reasons.  As a USFA member you will receive the Colorado Division newsletter, American Fencing magazine, and be eligible to compete in USFA competitions if you wish.

When can I start competition?

Generally, you should have been taking classes for about a year before considering competition.  Age, skill level, and competitive experience in another sport will influence the decision about when to start competing.

How do I make the Cadet or Junior Team?

Practice, practice, practice - at least two three times a week.

What about private lessons?

We recommend that fencers start out in group classes so that they learn the sport with their peers.  Individual lessons are very demanding, and we do not recommend private lessons for very young kids until they have been fencing for about a year. More competitive fencers should take at least one lesson a week but no more than three lessons a week. Lessons are one of the best ways to learn quickly, improve fencing skills and eliminate bad habits and small mistakes.