Information for Parents and Fencers

   If you are a parent like me with children involved in fencing, you already know that the learning curve for fencers (and their parents) beginning to compete is extremely steep. Understanding everything from what equipment to purchase to how tournaments are organized can be very confusing. Two of my children have competed regularly over the last six years, and I'm still learning the ropes.
    I'm assuming that you are either training to compete yourself or you have one or more children training to compete. This time of beginnings is full of decisions involving new terminologies and jargon that are part of the world of fencing; most of us muddle through these until they begin to make sense. Hopefully, this article will make your transition into competitive fencing a little less confusing.
    The first thing you will have to do when getting ready to compete is to purchase the necessary equipment. Unfortunately, the equipment is very specialized and the audience for fencing is small compared to other sports; the upshot being that you can't just go out to your local WalMart and find what you need. You have to go to a fencing vendor.
    The trick is finding the right one. As little as 10 years ago it was very difficult; the only place to purchase equipment was at major tournaments. With the advent of the Internet, it has become much easier. There are around 20-30 small businesses in the United States that specialize in all things fencing, and most have websites where you can purchase your equipment online. Examples of these are:

Like most online stores, you will be bombarded by brand names and incomprehensible model numbers. No matter what product you choose, the important fact to consider is whether a piece of equipment is FIE or non-FIE. Simply put, FIE is expensive, non-FIE is more affordable. The difference is in the quality of the equipment. FIE equipment is manufactured to world-class specifications and will last much longer than non-FIE items, but you will pay for that quality. On the other hand, if you are buying for a beginning competitor fencing in local competitions or the club, choosing the more affordable models might be the best choice. For myself, I didn't buy the expensive stuff until I knew that my fencers were going to stick it out for a while.
Whatever your decision, you will need to purchase the following equipment. Keep in mind that each is required by the rules that govern competitions. This is especially true of the underarm protector. Referees always check for them, for good reason.

Sabre:
As above except that the Lame and Mask are specific to Sabre, and of course Electric Sabres instead of Foils.

Sizing differs with the manufacturer, but fencing vendors generally are very good about helping you make a good decision. They all have toll free numbers to call if you have any questions about their products.

Now that your fencer is equipped, I'll talk in Part II about understanding the process of going to a competition and helping your fencer be where he or she needs to be and how to know when they are supposed to be there.

Fresno Fencing Academy is located in the great San Joaquin Valley in California and teaches fencers the three Olympic sports of foil fencing, epee fencing, and sabre fencing.

Olympic style fencing is growing in popularity in the U.S. by leaps and bounds and here at our fencing club we are dedicated to seeing fencing reach Fresno and the surrounding region, so we welcome any fencer who wants to learn to play this amazing sport. The professional staff at our fencing club has developed a series of programs to help all fencers, beginner to grizzled veteran, young and old alike, learn and improve their fencing by bringing the highest levels of educational experience, athletic skill, and love for the sport to the design of fencing lessons that are unique, fun, and fulfill the needs of all individuals and groups interested in the modern art of swordplay.

Our club is for everyone who would pursue this graceful, fast-moving, and exciting sport; including first time beginners and experienced veterans who fence alongside recreational and competitive fencers. Competitive fencers especially thrive in our club's friendly environment where everyone fences everyone with dignity and respect. Use the navigation links on the left to find out more about our recreational fencing program (fencing for fun), physical education program (for students), training program for competition and much more. You'll also find links to other fencing organizations , our own club news, and other fencing clubs.




About Fresno Fencing Academy Leanne Haller with FFA co-owner Rich Kilgore Fresno Fencing Academy is located in the great San Joaquin Valley in California and teaches fencers the three Olympic sports of foil fencing, epee fencing, and sabre fencing. Jessie Radanovich with Coach Vladimir Ostatnigrosh. The professional coaching staff at our fencing club has developed a series of programs to help all fencers, beginner to grizzled veteran, young and old alike, learn and improve their fencing by bringing the highest levels of educational experience, athletic skill, and love for the sport to the design of fencing lessons that are unique, fun, and fulfill the needs of all individuals and groups interested in the modern art of swordplay. Read more....	Information for Parents Helping Parents With Beginning Competitors (Part I) If you are a parent like me with children involved in fencing, you already know that the learning curve for fencers (and their parents) beginning to compete is extremely steep. Understanding everything from what equipment to purchase to how tournaments are organized can be very confusing. Two of my children have competed regularly over the last six years, and I'm still learning the ropes. I'm assuming that you are either training to compete yourself or you have one or more children training to compete. This time of beginnings is full of decisions involving new terminologies and jargon that are part of the world of fencing; most of us muddle through these until they begin to make sense. Hopefully, this article will make your transition into competitive fencing a little less confusing. The first thing you will have to do when getting ready to compete is to purchase the necessary equipment. Unfortunately, the equipment is very specialized and the audience for fencing is small compared to other sports; the upshot being that you can't just go out to your local WalMart and find what you need. You have to go to a fencing vendor. The trick is finding the right one. As little as 10 years ago it was very difficult; the only place to purchase equipment was at major tournaments. With the advent of the Internet, it has become much easier. There are around 20-30 small businesses in the United States that specialize in all things fencing, and most have websites where you can purchase your equipment online. Examples of these are: The Fencing Post Blue Gauntlet Leon Paul American Fencers Supply Escrime Line Fencing.net …along with many others. Like most online stores, you will be bombarded by brand names and incomprehensible model numbers. No matter what product you choose, the important fact to consider is whether a piece of equipment is FIE or non-FIE. Simply put, FIE is expensive, non-FIE is more affordable. The difference is in the quality of the equipment. FIE equipment is manufactured to world-class specifications and will last much longer than non-FIE items, but you will pay for that quality. On the other hand, if you are buying for a beginning competitor fencing in local competitions or the club, choosing the more affordable models might be the best choice. For myself, I didn't buy the expensive stuff until I knew that my fencers were going to stick it out for a while. Whatever your decision, you will need to purchase the following equipment. Keep in mind that each is required by the rules that govern competitions. This is especially true of the underarm protector. Referees always check for them, for good reason. Foil: Mask Stretch Jacket Electric Lame Underarm Protector Knickers Socks Shoes 2 Electric Foils 2 Body Cords Epee: As above except no Lame, and Electric Epees instead of Foils. Sabre: As above except that the Lame and Mask are specific to Sabre, and of course Electric Sabres instead of Foils. Sizing differs with the manufacturer, but fencing vendors generally are very good about helping you make a good decision. They all have toll free numbers to call if you have any questions about their products. Now that your fencer is equipped, I'll talk in Part II about understanding the process of going to a competition and helping your fencer be where he or she needs to be and how to know when they are supposed to be there. Fresno Fencing Academy is located in the great San Joaquin Valley in California and teaches fencers the three Olympic sports of foil fencing, epee fencing, and sabre fencing. Olympic style fencing is growing in popularity in the U.S. by leaps and bounds and here at our fencing club we are dedicated to seeing fencing reach Fresno and the surrounding region, so we welcome any fencer who wants to learn to play this amazing sport. The professional staff at our fencing club has developed a series of programs to help all fencers, beginner to grizzled veteran, young and old alike, learn and improve their fencing by bringing the highest levels of educational experience, athletic skill, and love for the sport to the design of fencing lessons that are unique, fun, and fulfill the needs of all individuals and groups interested in the modern art of swordplay. Our club is for everyone who would pursue this graceful, fast-moving, and exciting sport; including first time beginners and experienced veterans who fence alongside recreational and competitive fencers. Competitive fencers especially thrive in our club's friendly environment where everyone fences everyone with dignity and respect. Use the navigation links on the left to find out more about our recreational fencing program (fencing for fun), physical education program (for students), training program for competition and much more. You'll also find links to other fencing organizations , our own club news, and other fencing clubs. Back to Top	Equipment Vendors These links will take you to the websites of some of the better vendors in the U.S. and U.K. You can order online or with a phone call, and if you have questions, they will be more than happy to help you make good decisions. The Fencing Post Blue Gauntlet Leon Paul American Fencers Supply Escrime Line Fencing.net

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