Alexandre Dumas Fencing Society

astrid hanenkamp

(l. to r.) Laura, Fencing Master St.Clair Clement, Owen Smith,

Coach Witold Rak, Astrid Hanenkamp

F-encing is a fun sociable alternative to the gym.
E-nergetic all over body workout
N-ew fencers are always very welcome
C-ompete as an individual fencer or in a team
I-nnovative sport with three exciting disciplines
N-o experience necessary to get started
G-reat stress buster

BENEFITS

Fencing provides the student with physical and cognitive benefits.
It is a highly active sport which is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. One must not be physically fit to participate in a fencing program. Determination, time and training will change the individual.
Similar to the effects of baseball, ballet, boxing, martial arts and swimming, fencing will increase your endurance, reflexes, agility and speed. In addition, it develops muscles that help you maintain good balance and coordination.
Fencing increases the ability of the individual to focus and think decisively for him or herself.

WEAPONS

There are three different types of weapons and the fencing styles that go along with it.

Foil: It is the most common weapon in terms of usage in competition, and is usually the choice for elementary classes for Fencing in general.

Foils are designed for thrusting, and score a point by depressing a button on the end of the shaft to complete an electric circuit. The blade is very thin, with a blunted (or foiled) tip. Foil blades are flexible enough to bend upon striking an opponent, in order to prevent injuries.

There are three main types of foil grips: the French style, with a grip (handle or hilt) designed to facilitate greater finesse; the Italian style, which is designed more for control and power; and the orthopedic, or pistol-grip, which is the most popular among modern competitive sport fencers.

Foil is governed by right of way rules. As such, points are not necessarily awarded to the first fencer to hit, but to the fencer who hits with priority.

Épée : It is the modern derivative of the original duelling sword, the rapier, used in sport fencing. Épée is French for "sword". The weapon is similar to a foil (compared to a sabre), but has a stiffer blade that is V-shaped in cross-section, has a larger bell guard, and is heavier. The technique however, is somewhat different, as there are no rules regarding priority and right-of-way. In addition, the entire body area is a valid target area. Double-touches are allowed, although the touches must be within 40 milliseconds of each other.

Sabre: The sabre differs from the other modern fencing weapons, in that it is possible to score with the edge of the blade; for this reason, sabreur movements and attacks are very fast. The target area is from the waist up excluding the hands. Right-of-way applies, much as it does to foil.

(all info courtesy of Wikipedia.com)

CLASSES

Junior / Adult

The Fencing Master has a unique ability for motivating developmental skills to challenge both children and parents to engage in a self-awareness program through the art of fencing. The benefits of the program consist of:

child's ability to stay focused

physical coordination

cognitive development

agility

self-awareness

building confidence

Private Lessons

We have over fifty years of experience in teaching children and adults fencing.

Professional coaches available where needed

additional fees for special fencing programs

Workshops

The Alexandre Dumas fencing Society offers Summer programs and workshops to engage your kids during the school break. Please join our mailing list to become part of the Fencing family and be informed of the new 2008 summer programs.

FACILITIES

Private entrance to use facilities
Two rooms: a fencing room and a class room
Accomodations for boys and girls
Use of training equipment for competition
Rental of selected electric equipment
Rental of protective fencing equipment
USA insurance for use of space under contract

SCHEDULE

Classes are generally taught Monday nights and Wednesday nights for open class.

Saturdays classes are taught at Riverbank State Park, enrollment is open.

Private lessons can be scheduled as necessary , please email us for information.

OUR GOALS

Principles of Fencing
Technique of the three weapons
Rules of competition
Stress academic achievement and good values
provide a fun loving environment