Never fenced before? This class is for you. Learn the basic fencing positions and footwork movements, balance and coordination, while exercising all the major muscle groups of the body. This class promotes physical fitness for all ages and levels of athletic ability. Completion of three two-month sessions or more of the Introduction to Fencing is required before moving in to the General Foil Class.

USFA Membership

Sneakers, athletic pants and tee shirt.

A good attitude.

Patience with yourself and others.

Equipment Required:

PFC provides all of the necessary equipment for this course.

General Foil Class

After completing one of the Introduction to Fencing Classes, Women’s Fencing/Fitness Class or the equivalent, the next step is to transition into General Foil Class. Having learned and applied basic fencing movements, we now study blade work more closely. You’ll learn rules of the sport here and continue to perfect your skills along the way. This class is 75 minutes and geared to fencers on a novice/intermediate level who may fence competitively and/or recreationally or are planning to prepare for competition training class. Students preparing for Competition Training Class must demonstrate commitment to improving their fencing skills and be willing to mentor with others.

Requirements for this class:

PFC membership

USFA membership.

Introduction to Fencing Class, Women’s Fencing/Fitness Class or equivalent.

Equipment Required:

Five piece practice set, including jacket, mask, glove, foil and underarm protector. (Women also need chest guard)  Electric gear is available for monthly rental, however many students will want their full gear and will be advised on what to purchase.

This group requires the approval from the head coach. The criteria are geared towards a deeper understanding of the psychological processes in fencing, like tactics and technical study. The tactical thinking and quick reflexes required at this level turn fencing into a game of "physical chess". It is mandatory on your second night of practice that Advanced Instruction is taken, along with 10 minutes of working with another student. Students are expected to participate in competition regularly at divisional, regional, or national level, or all three.

PFC membership

USFA membership.

Total commitment.

Approval from the Coach

Equipment Required:

Full gear required.

Individual lessons are available for fencers who are attending Competition Training Class and assisting others in training. These lessons are one-on-one with the coach and provide the necessary focus for training the fencer to succeed. Advanced Instruction is available to Competition Training Class students first. Others will be considered.

PFC membership

USFA membership.

Total commitment.

Approval from the Coach

Equipment Required:

Full gear required.

This is a time to practice your skills and meet other members in the club. There shouldn’t be any difficulty finding someone to fence with although some nights/days are better than others for certain weapons. We have excellent fencers who do not take classes on a regular basis but simply come in to fence one or two nights a week. Open fencing is free to all PFC members. It is suggested to come on a different day than you scheduled class to get another day of fencing. This is also the time for Competition Training students to schedule their advanced training.

Do you want to get in shape? Tone your quads and glutes while defending your honor with cardio fencing. Practice the key components of fencing and when you take your toned body out of the center you’ll find the ancient sport also makes you stronger and more graceful. This class is open to fencers of all levels. Plus, the next time the topic comes up at a party, you’ll be able to offer a little-known fact about the Three Musketeers… Athos, Porthos and Aramis had the best butts in France. Touche’

Curious Musketeers
You think you want to be and Musketeer but your not quite sure? Come in and discover if you can work together with others and develop the individual skills to be a fencer. The games and activities are geared towards a physical workout while improving your balance, coordination and thinking. It is required to complete the 3 sessions, maybe more, of the introduction to fencing before moving in to the General Foil Class.

Requirements for this class:
USFA Membership
Sneakers, athletic pants and tee shirt.
A good attitude.
Patience with yourself and others
 

Equipment Required:

PFC provides all of the necessary equipment for this course.

The six annual PFC Sessions are:

September - October

November - December

January - February

March - April

May - June

July - August

Participants may start at the beginning of any of the above sessions. The session fee of $160 is due at the beginning of each new session.

Fencers are not limited to one class per week - they may come to as many classes per session as they wish.

USFA Yearly Membership Fee: Every person who wishes to become part of Portland Fencing Center must be a member of the United States Fencing Association for insurance purposes. The USFA provides insurance to protect the fencer at practices and tournaments. With your USFA membership you receive the quarterly "American Fencing Magazine" and a quarterly newsletter keeping you updated on fencing in the US. The latest topics on nutrition, refereeing, sports medicine, etc are covered in each issue.

The membership is $50.00 annually or $130.00 for three years. You must have your USFA membership card with you at the club.

PFC Membership Fee: $300 per family annually, pro rated. Membership provides PFC members with access to the facilities, including use of the Armourer's Room, and unlimited open fencing time as well as the coveted Portland Fencing Center arm patch. Membership Fee is due annually on July 31.

Classes:

Classes are 75 minutes long and run continuously throughout the year with changes only for holidays or summer months. Your payment for class along with PFC membership fees is expected on the first of each session.

Advanced Instruction: Lesson fees are $15 per lesson for 15 minutes. Lessons are arranged ahead of time with the coach. Payment for lessons along with class and membership dues is expected on the first of each session.

Students are expected to be On Time and consistent in their class attendance. They are expected to attend the same class or classes on the same night as much as possible in the interest of scheduling. However, missed classes may be made up on another night with approval. Students who are regular attendees of a particular class time have priority if space is limited. Please check first and notify the club if a make up will be necessary.

1. When entering the fencing center make sure your shoes have been removed outside the entryway. For participation in fencing you should carry in the shoes you will be wearing for class.

2. Do not wear your street shoes for class. Tracking dirt and water inside the fencing center is dangerous to fencers.

3. Do not cross over the strips as fencers move very quickly from one end of the strip to the other. When fencing is in progress stay away from the strips. Wait for a break in the action and make sure the fencers are aware of you presence

4. Never point a weapon at anyone without wearing a mask and jacket. When practicing or competing as a beginner or advanced student all required fencing gear must be worn.

5. The chest and the groin are both target areas and must be protected in order to participate in bouting. Boys will need athletic cups and girls will need chest guards.

6. Being physically ready for the start of class prevents muscle pulls and strains. When attending classes at PFC we would like you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of class so you have time to change, do basic warm up exercises, and stretch. Stretching will also be covered in classes.