What are Beginner Courses?

The Beginners Course is an eight week course run by Gwent Sword Club that will (hopefully!) prepare you to enter the club as a full member. You will be taught and coached on the basic techniques and conventions of fencing, providing you with sufficient knowledge to engage with the main class lessons and fence competently during 'free-play'.

Why does Gwent Sword Club run Beginners Course? There are a number of reasons we run Beginners Courses rather than teaching individuals as they arrive:

• Social - Many people find progressing and learning as part of a group much easier and more enjoyable. It also means people don't feel as intimidated by taking lessons immediately with more advanced fencers.
• Coaching - Coaching a group of beginners instead of individuals over a longer period, means that we can provide a more structured, comprehensive syllabus and devote more coaching time and resourses. It also allows us to make a proper assessment at the end of the course.
• Practical - Obviously it makes thing far easier from an administrative point of view. Organising things like insurance and membership is quicker and easier.

What exactly will I be learning?

The syllabus is designed to cover all the major techniques you will require during you fencing career. Fencing doesn't have a vast number of techniques (such as many other Martial Arts), the majority of your training will consist of perfecting these techniques and learning how and when to use them. It is for this reason that people who teach fencing are generally referred to as Coaches, not Instructors.

This is a basic summary of what we will aim to cover with you. Keep in mind this is not a definitive list and the syllabus may be modified to better suit a group or individual.

Movements and Stances

• On Guard
• Stepping
• Ballestra
• Fleche
• Reprise

Attacking Actions

• Lunges
• Beat Attacks
• Compound Attacks

Defensive Actions

• Parries from Guard in Sixte (Quarte, Counter Sixte, Octave)
• Counter Parries on the Lunge
• Successive Parries

How old/young/fit do I need to be?

We don't generally take anybody below the age of 11 onto our courses. Fencing requires a high level of concentration and commitment, while at the same time requires individuals to act responsibly to ensure everyone's safety.

There is however, no upper age limit and we have a number of more senior members who regularly show everyone how fencing 'really' done. In terms of fitness fencing is pretty unique: While it can make a difference and being fitter than your opponent is still an advantage, it is far less significant than technical ability. Fencing can be both very energetic and a great workout, or relatively relaxing and sedate depending on the style you adopt.

Of course, should you have any medical condition that may affect you during fencing you need to make a coach aware of this and seek their advice before taking part.

Is it expensive?

No, the full eight week course costs just £35 for children or students and £45 for adults. This price includes:

• Use of all equipment
• Membership to the British Fencing Association through Welsh Fencing
• Membership to Gwent Sword Club
• Coaching from our Team, qualified under the WFA and BAF
• Insurance cover while fencing at all three of our venues

Once you have passed the course you will be eligible to be a full member of Gwent Sword Club. Fees will than be paid on either a weekly of monthly basis (click on either our Newport or Chepstow page for details).

Who do I need to contact?

Contact Carl Difford at or call Carl Difford on 01633 855751 for further details or to book your place on our next course.

THE NEXT BEGINNERS COURSES WILL BE STARTING SOON!