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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please note the below answers are meant for foil fencing only, different rules apply for other weapons. Also these answers are only meant as a guide and it is always advised to speak to a member of the club for recommendations and final advice.
For new starters
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For everyone else
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For new starters
What do I need to bring to my first session?
You will need suitable sportswear, including indoor trainers, and full length joggers / tracksuit bottoms, (No shorts or leggings). You will also need to bring a drink.
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Do I need to buy my own fencing equipment?
No, all necessary equipment can be provided by the club, however this equipment is limited and you will be unable to participate if the correct equipment in unavailable. However, if you want to progress in the sport it will be necessary to purchase your own equipment in the future.
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Do I need a fencing membership or insurance?
Yes, all fencers must sign up to British fencing. The introduction membership is free for the first 90 days, and must be activated before your first fencing session. This can be done here: INTRODUCTION MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY - BRITISH FENCING.
After your free introduction membership is completed, then you must purchase a recreational membership to continue fencing at the club. Read more here: Membership Types - BRITISH FENCING.
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How much do sessions cost?
Sessions prices start at £6 per person, per session. This is to be paid either cash on arrival or via bank transfer. Full price list can be found here.
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What is the age requirement for this club?
The age requirements for our club is years 10 and up, we run a mixed age group session every Wednesday.
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Where are you located and when do you fence?
We fence every Wednesday, 19:30 to 21:00 at Abergele leisure centre, Faenol Avenue, Abergele, LL22 7HT. Link to venue: Abergele Leisure Centre (conwy.gov.uk)
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What kind of weapon does your club use?
We are primarily a foil fencing club, Foil forms the basis of modern fencing. It was developed in the 18th century for training purposes, without the use of a blade or a point. The objective of the discipline is to score points through strikes with the tip of the sword on the target area, which is the opponent's torso.
If you are looking to learn a different weapon type, Mold cavaliers have Epee coaches, and Wrexham have Sabre coaches. Experienced Epee and Sabre fencers are welcome to train at our club.
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How do I join?
Simply get in touch, and arrange a taster session with one of our coaches. You can either email us on abergelefencingclub@outlook.com, or message us on Facebook.
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For everyone else
Where can I buy fencing equipment, and what do I need?
Here are the main websites:
Leon Paul: https://www.leonpaul.com/
Allstar: https://allstaruhlmann.com/
Excalibur: https://www.excalibursports.co.uk/
PBT: Professional Fencing Sport Equipment - PBT Fencing
The Fencing shop: The Fencing Shop - The Fencing Shop
Blade brand: https://www.bladesbrand.com/
Sword price fighter: https://swordpricefighters.com/
eBay is also good, search fencing under sporting goods.
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Here is a list of fencing gear that we recommend all fencers gets:
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Mask
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Plastron
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Jacket
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Breeches
All of the above gear must be 350n protection.
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Glove
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Plastic chest protector (are a required item for Woman, optional for Men)
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Fencing socks
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And a practise foil sword
If you want to go on the electrics boxes, and might want to do some competitions in the future, then you will need to get the following.
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Mask with a electric foil bib (ages 13 and up)
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Jacket
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Breeches
All of the above gear must 350n protection.
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Competition plastron required - protection 800n (ages 13 up)
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Glove
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Plastic chest protector (are a required item for Woman, optional for Men)
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Fencing socks
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Electric foil lame
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Electric foil body wire
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Electric foil head wire
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Electric foil Sword - ages 13 and up require size 5 blades.
Some fencing clothing guidelines can be found here: https://www.excalibursports.co.uk/pages/equipment-rules-guide
If you are looking for fencing clothing and a mask, then any of the above websites are usually suitable.
If you are looking to get a electric sword, then would recommend getting from a distributor with a slightly better reputation for quality, ask at club for recommendations.
You will also need to decide on which connector you use for your sword. The best option is 2 pin, which we would recommend if this is a first time purchase. Whichever you choose make sure you get the correct body wire and sword connector so that they work together.
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What do I need to compete at a regional competition?
You will need all of the above mentioned items to be used on the electric scoring equipment, plus will need to take spare equipment on the day including:
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Electric foils, a minimum of 2.
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Electric body wires, a minimum of 2.
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Electric head wires, a minimum of 2. ​
Also all items must comply with the safety rules and regulations set out British fencing, which can be found here: https://www.britishfencing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/February-22-Safety-Guidelines.pdf
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What kind of sword do I need to buy for the electrics?
Blade Sizes
A) Foil Under 14s - Size 3 / Foil Under 10s - Size 0
B) Epee Under 14s - Size 2 / Epee Under 10s - Size 0
C) Sabre Under 14s - Size 2 / Sabre Under 10s - Size 0
D) Over 14s - Size 5
Not all age group competitions require the same size blade. Please check with the competition organiser to see which size blade you need
Also all items must comply with the safety rules and regulations set out British fencing, which can be found here: https://www.britishfencing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/February-22-Safety-Guidelines.pdf
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Can I volunteer to help out at the club?
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Yes, volunteers are welcome. Please enquire with a member of the club.
What British Fencing membership do I need to compete?
To compete at a regional/national fencing competition, you must have a COMPETE MEMBERSHIP from British fencing. You can find out more here: COMPETE MEMBERSHIP - BRITISH FENCING.
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How do I find competitions in the UK?
You can find most competitions on the British fencing events zone: Events Zone - BRITISH FENCING
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