Open fencing is free bouting time: come in and fence real bouts against other members, outside of a structured class. It’s where the skills you build in class turn into actual fencing, and once you have some fundamentals, it’s the fastest way to improve.
Open fencing nights can change seasonally, so check the current schedule before dropping by. For rates and to sign up, see our pricing and registration page.
Who Can Come
Fencers in any class can join — Intro, Beginner or Intermediate — as long as you have your own electric gear. You don’t need to be an experienced competitor. If you can fence electric safely, you’re welcome on the strip.
Your first visit is free. After that you’ll need to enroll in an Open Fencing membership, or a combined Class and Open Fencing membership if you’re also taking a class.
Fencers on our Competitive track are expected to bout here regularly — it’s their main training ground between lessons and tournaments.
Equipment
Open fencing is fenced with electric scoring equipment, and you need your own electric kit to take part. That means an electric weapon, body cord and lamé, along with your own mask, jacket, glove, underarm protector and knickers.
We have a limited supply of club gear and we’re always expanding our inventory, but we can’t lend a full set permanently — there simply isn’t enough to go around. You don’t need 100% of your own gear on day one, but you do need to be moving toward it. See our equipment guide for what to buy, and ask about our equipment incentive: after three months in the Beginner class, we’ll take 50% off your next three months of membership if you let us help you buy a starter kit.
If cost is the obstacle, talk to a coach. We offer scholarships and a sliding scale, and we’d rather help than lose you.
Weapons
We host open fencing for foil and epee. We expect to have at least one or two people who can give you a good practice in either. We don’t currently run sabre, though we’re always trying to get a group together, so hopefully one day we’ll offer all three.
How It Works
Open fencing is self-directed. In class a coach directs everyone; here you take responsibility for your own training and use the time to get better. Coaches keep things moving, give short lessons, organize drills and ask you to fence particular people — but ultimately these are your hours to use. Bring your best training ideas and share them with coaches and clubmates.
It’s fine to take a class and then stay for open fencing. If time is tight, we’d still recommend making room for it even if it means arriving later — it’s a more personalized and intense experience.
To receive notifications when a class or open fencing session is cancelled, please join our Discord.
Have fun during practice, and then let’s all go out afterwards.