Fencing FAQs

Are there any age restrictions for fencing?

There are members of our club that range in age from about 10 to several of us who are old enough to enjoy fencing with our kids. Members of all ages engage in bouts with each other, and typically find that skill and experience are the deciding factors, rather than age. For that reason, fencing is an excellent family sport.

Is fencing hard to learn?

The basics are fairly easy. The best aspect of the sport is that you never stop learning. Each fencer has their own style, and every individual brings something to the sport that everyone can learn from.

The Club teaches a sixteen-session course leading to the ability to engage safely and competently in open fencing with other members.

After completing this lesson series, every club meeting includes the opportunity for 15 minutes of individual instruction from one of our club instructors.

What should I wear?

All you really need to wear to a beginners' class or a regular club session are a comfortable set of athletic shoes (court shoes work best), a T-shirt, long warm-up pants (not shorts) and long socks. The club will provide everything else you need to be properly protected during a fencing bout.

The standard fencing clothing (which the club provides) include a long-sleeved fencing jacket, underarm protectors, fencing glove and a fencing mask. The club also provides the swords (epees, foils and sabres).

You are certainly free to purchase your own equipment and clothing from any of a variety of fencing retailers throughout the country. There are links to several of them on our Contacts page, and on the web. Unfortunately, there are no fencing equipment dealers in Alaska.

A complete fencing outfit, including swords, can cost from a hundred dollars (non-electric starter kits) to as much as you'd like to spend.

How much does it cost to fence?

The Anchorage Fencing Club charges $10 a month for membership, plus a YMCA (reduced) membership fee 0f $11 a month, which includes use of club equipment, weapons, the time for the gym at the YMCA , and other expenses.

What if I need special accommodations?

Members may attend as many or as few sessions as you'd like. There are ways that individuals with handicaps can fence, including those who use wheelchairs.

Where can I buy equipment?

The Anchorage Fencing Club can order equipment through a club purchase plan at a discount and with free shipping. If you prefer, there are dealers in the Lower 48 that have a Web presence and that will ship to Alaska. You may also be able to find used equipment through Club members.

Click here for a list of USFA vendors