Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never fenced before. Do I need to buy my own equipment to take lessons?
Club equipment is available for a small rental fee

There are three different weapons in fencing. Which one should I begin with?
We recommend Foil. Foil teaches basic footwork, hand, arm and blade control.

Is fencing difficult to learn?
Not difficult, but fencing is a individualistic sport and most would say it’s more challenging than soccer or badminton. It does require concentration and practice to develop your skills, but it’s a very rewarding sport.

How long does it take to learn fencing?
Fencing requires a few weeks of drills and practice bouts with an experienced trainer while you learn the proper footwork, positions and techniques. But don’t worry - you will have fun on day one.

Who’s best at fencing?
Anyone can to be good at fencing. It’s a sport of skill and finesse. Size, shape, age, strength and gender matter little. Take a look at our photos. You’ll see a very diverse group.

Is fencing like I see in the movies?
The short answer is no. Theatrical fencing is choreographed by professional stunt coordinators. It’s based on real fencing techniques but exaggerated to look more flamboyant. OCFA does offer special classes for the theatrically inclined. We recommend at least intermediate proficiency in foil as a prerequisite.