How to Form a High School Fencing Club

Salem Classical Fencing is seeking high schools in the Salem area that are interested in forming fencing clubs. High school fencing clubs provide a forum for like-minded students to study fencing and enjoy each other’s company. Students have opportunities to compete against other high school fencing clubs in Salem, as well in local and regional all-ages fencing tournaments (under the auspices of the American Fencing League). Competition is on an individual and a team basis.

To get started, all that is needed is an interested group of students, a sponsoring faculty member, and supportive parents. After receiving administrative approval, fencing club members organize themselves and conduct their own fundraising. It is up to each club to decide how to fund its activities.

All students will need to go through the Introductory Foil classes at Salem Classical Fencing to learn fencing basics. Contact the studio for tuition costs. After about two months of training, students will know enough to be able to fence safely in a practice environment (“sparring”). All equipment (except for a glove) is provided to introductory students as part of their class tuition.

With a few more weeks of training, students will be ready for the first competition, if they so choose. Students who wish to compete can either purchase their own fencing equipment ($150-200) or clubs can pool their resources to purchase their own equipment.

We offer after-school practice times that are open exclusively to Salem-area high school fencing clubs. These practice sessions are conducted at SCF’s salle d’armes at Liberty and Belmont (one block south of Market Street) in Salem’s north downtown district. SCF’s teaching staff will be present and will provide instruction during these sessions.

If your school is interested in forming a fencing club, please contact Mr. Michael Heggen at Salem Classical Fencing at 503-375-9209 or at michael@classicalfencing.us.