Frequently Asked Questions

Child Protection

All three qualified coaches at Cotswold fencing club have undergone an enhanced CRB check, and have attended a Sports Coach UK child protection course.
Currently British Fencing is in the process of rolling out its child protection policy to affiliated clubs, of which we are one.

Are there age or fitness limitations?

As long as you are over 8 years of age ( as we are limited on equipment size ) there is no real age limit for fencing, many fencers are still fencing in their 80's.

A general level of fitness is OK.

What weapons do you fence ?

We fence Foil, Epee and Sabre, but encourage beginners to initially take up the Foil.

What clothing and equipment would I need ?

Initially you will need no specific equipment - we supply mask, glove, jacket & foil ( sword ).

But you will need full length trousers such as track suit bottoms, and a spare T-shirt is always a good idea. There are changing facilities at the venue (including showers).

As you progress, you buy your own equipment. ( Either all at once or a piece at a time.)

How much does it cost?

If you have never fenced before then it is better if you join one of our beginners courses and they cost £25 for 6 weeks.

For Club members it is £4.50 a week, and £5 for visitors with a discounted rate for students

Do you have classes for complete beginners ?

We run beginners courses, details of which will be posted on the "Beginners Courses" page. These are run 3 times a year, and there are seperate classes for Juniors and Adults.

( Exception :- Parents of Juniors may fence other parents during the Junior course).

For further details Contact Kevin Nelson  by e-mail  at cotswoldfencing@sky.com

Equipment Costs

Several fencing manufactures have put together starter kits, which contain the basic equipment that you will require. ( Some cost examples are below - taken from their websites on 30/07/08 )

For Foil
Supplier Leon Paul £250 inc VAT - Advanced Electric Foil Starter kit for one fencer

Note : There are a number of extras required.

Supplier Duelist £137.49 : Gents Starter Kit with Practice Foil ( Non-electric )
This kit is basic, and I would recommend buying buying sufficient extras to be able to fence electric. ( ~ £234.68)

For Epee

Supplier Leon Paul £275 : Electric Performance Epee Starter kit for one fencer .

Note- there are a number of extras required.

Supplier Duelist £158.64
Gents Starter Kit with Electric Epee
This kit is basic, and I would recommend buying buying sufficient extras to be able to fence electric. ( ~ £244.22)

For Sabre

Supplier Leon Paul : £300 : Advanced Electric Sabre Starter Kit

Note : There are a number of extras required with this kit.

Supplier Duelist £148.06 : Gents Starter Kit with Practice Sabre
This kit is basic, and I would recommend buying buying sufficient extras to be able to fence electric. ( ~ £245.25)