Freshers' Events

During the Freshers' Fair 2020, we hosted a live Microsoft Teams Q&A Webinar where we showcased fencing as a sport and introduced our group - you can find a link to the recording on our Facebook page, which can be navigated to from the sidebar. Be sure to follow us on Instagram too for updates, spotlights and challenges!

You are welcome to join the club at any point during the year. On our Teams group, you can find links to semester 1 fencing theory sessions, or join in with our current sessions. We love having new members, and will cater for anyone who is just starting out with fencing!

In the meantime, if you have any questions for us, or are an experienced fencer looking to join us, contact us by email at su-fencing@bath.ac.uk, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Open Sessions & Joining Us

With an SU Sports pass, you are able to try out any sport for free in the first semester of the year. At the moment, all of our sessions are virtual, you are more than welcome to join our novice sessions, open sessions and games nights to get an introduction to fencing and meet the club! When restrictions are eased, we may also be able to provide 1:1 taster sessions or small group open sessions to try out fencing.

To join us, go to our 'Products' page and purchase the £0 registration to be added to our list of members - this will add you to our mailing list and provide you with a link to our Microsoft Teams group. This gives you access to our full series of training videos, socials and access to the beginner development sessions. These sessions will focus on footwork, fitness and the strategic aspect of fencing.

Information for in-person sessions:

To be able to fully join in the open/beginner/1:1 sessions we ask that you bring the following to wear and use: 

  • Tracksuit trousers. We can't let you fence in sports shorts for safety reasons - sorry!
  • Clean indoor trainers/shoes.
  • Water bottle - Fencing is a tough sport and its hard work. Keeping hydrated is essential. A water fountain is available in the salle.

Here is a map to the fencing salle:

A map showing the route to the fencing salle - written direction below.

  1. From the front entrance to the Sports Training Village, walk straight ahead to a set of stairs
  2. Take the stairs down (or take the elevator to the right) to the reception
  3. Pass through the barriers using your library card
  4. Turn right, proceed a few steps, then turn right again to proceed down a long corridor to the locker room.
  5. Once in the locker room, take the first left to a corridor containing changing rooms and toilets (these are the closest facilities to the salle, and you are free to use them).
  6. At the end of this corridor, take the steps up and through the single door to the Jumps and Throws Hall.
  7. Turn left to see a set of double doors - go through these to enter another corridor.
  8. Follow the corridor around to enter the salle.

 

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to email us at su-fencing@bath.ac.uk

F.A.Q.

  • Can fencing be socially distanced? Yes! During a fencing match you will almost always be at least one metre away from your opponent, as the weapons are roughly one metre long. The fencing mask will offer some level of protection from airborne particles, however you may also wear a mask underneath for safety. We are working alongside the SU and the national governing body - British Fencing - to provide training sessions that will comply with social distancing measures. This includes regular cleaning of kit, providing online resources, and restricting the number of people within the fencing salle at one time.
     
  • Do I need to be fit? To begin with, you do not have to be physically fit to start fencing recreationally. However, during our beginner sessions we will provide some fitness training to build core stability and explosive power. Our coaches can also give advice for getting fit for fencing.
     
  • How much does it cost? £20 for the SU sports pass, then £0 to join our group. After this, you can freely join virtual sessions, or sign-up to any in-person sessions and socials. Sign ups for in-person sessions are available on our website under the 'training times' tab, and sign ups for the week will open on the weekend.
     
  • What do I need to bring? The following are essential for active sessions: T-shirt, tracksuit trousers, trainers, drink. You can also bring the following: towel, shorts (warm-up), tracksuit top (warm-up and warm-down).
     
  • Does fencing hurt/is it dangerous? No. Fencing is not about smacking opponents as hard as possible with a sword. The aim in fencing is to score hits on your opponent, usually these are light and can barely be felt through the protective gear. Fencing equipment consists of at least a jacket, under jacket and glove made of lightweight material similar to Kevlar. The face is protected by a metal mesh and occasionally a Lexan dual-layer visor. Additionally, the weapons have flattened round points. Fencing is statistically one of the safest sports, beating tennis and football for injury rate. Injuries from blades are extremely rare and impossible provided correct kit is used.
     
  • How do I join the club? Click the Products tab on the left hand side of your screen and choose the £0 Club Membership option!