Frequently Asked Question (F.A.Q.)

What is fencing?
Fencing is not the thing that is between your yard and your neighbor’s yard. No, this type of fencing is an organized sport involving the use of the sword—épée, foil, or sabre—for attack and defense according to set movements and rules. Although the use of swords dates to prehistoric times and swordplay to ancient civilizations, the organized sport of fencing began only at the end of the 19th century. Fencing has been an Olympic sport since 1896, when the modern Olympic Games was revived. Our club uses the foil as our only weapon.

Is fencing dangerous?
Absolutely Not! If the fencer wears the appropriate equipment, fencing is absolutely safe! For a fencer, these following equipments are necessary at all times. A jacket, glove, plastron (underarm protectors), mask, breast protectors (for women), and breeches (fencing pants).

How much will it cost?
The average fencer spends over $160 on basic equipments. Because our club has a special deal with the Fencing Post ®, we can manage to get our set at $100. This includes a jacket, mask, glove, and a weapon. All you need to pay is $20 per semester, and we will loan you a set.

Does the fencing club compete?
You bet! Our club is a member of the Southern California Scholastic Fencing League, and we try to participate in local competitions whenever we can. Please check the club’s schedule. To compete, you would need to be a member of the United States Fencing Association. There is a yearly membership that costs $50. Applications are available online, or we can provide you with a paper application. Moreover, fencers would have to wear additional equipments that are designed for electric scoring machines. A fencer would have to wear a lamé, (metallic vest), a body cord, and have an electric weapon. (The basic equipment comes with a non-electric weapon).

How can I join?
Come to our meetings! We are happy that once our school goes to traditional schedule, more students can join the fencing club without having to come to school when they are off track. Most of our members are A-Track students, but everyone is welcomed to join. We encourage it! We meet every Wednesdays and Fridays afterschool from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. We also meet once or twice during our vacation.