Cape Fencing Academy Learn the sport of Olympic fencing in Cape Town!

FAQ

Fencing is for all ages, body-types and fitness levels.

• I’ve never fenced before, is fencing suitable for beginners?
• What is fencing?
• Does it hurt?
• What is the difference between foil, epee and sabre?
• Which weapon should I start with?
• How often should I practice?
• What If I am not fit?
• Is fencing a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
• When can I expect to see progress in my fencing technique?
• What should I wear/bring to class?
• Why should I take individual lessons?
• When can I start competing?

Q: I’ve never fenced before, is fencing suitable for beginners?
YES! You need to start some where. This is why we have started the new free beginner classes. We will start from the absalute basics every time at each practice session. We will teach you how to lunge, how to go en garde, how to hold the foil, how to parry and how to attack. At the end of each session, fencers will be allowed to try out there new moves on one another.

Q: What is Fencing
Fencing is one of the only 4 sports that has been represented in ever modern Olympic Games. Fencing is the modern-day version of western sword fighting and has its roots as far back as ancient Egypt. Even though it has this long and prestigious past, do not get sport fencing confused with classical fencing as sport fencing is fast, dynamic and competitive.

Q: does it hurt?
NO! Injuries caused by blade contact are very rare in fencing. The protective equipment absorbs and distributes all of the force generated by one’s opponent’s blade.

Q: What is the difference between foil, epee and sabre?
* Foil: All beginners start with foil. It is a thrusting weapon descended from the small sword. One can only score a valid hit if one hits the opponent’s torso. Foil is also the weapon of choice at the Cape Fencing Academy
* Epee: is also a trusting weapon but the target area consists of the opponent’s entire body. To score a point, one must hit ones opponent before he/she hits you. If you hit at the same time you both get a point. The epee is descended from the rapier.
* Sabre is a cutting weapon derived from the cavalry sword. The target area is from the waist upwards and includes the head.

Q: Which weapon should I start with?
All beginners start with foil. It is the lightest of all three weapons and understanding the basics of foil is vital to understanding the sport as a whole.

Q: How often should I practice?
As much as possible! Twice a week is normal for recreational fencers. If you get addicted, please feel free to come as often as you like.

Q: What If I am not fit?
Fencing fitness is different to all other fitness. No one is fencing-fit from the beginning, even marathon runners, swimmers and rugby players. Your fencing-fitness will improve the more you fence so stick to it!

Q:Is fencing a cardiovascular workout and can I lose weight?
Absolutely! You will not get such an intense work out any where else. Not only is fencing a great cardio workout, it also tones your legs, glutes, core and arms!

Q: When can I expect to see progress in my fencing technique?
After about a month of fencing. Getting individual lessons GREATLY speeds up the learning process. The better you get at fencing, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Q: What should I wear/bring to class?
* Good sports shoes. Court shoes like Tennis and Squash shoes work best.
* Tracksuit pants and cloths that you don’t mind sweating in. Be warned, you’re in for one hell of a work-out!
* Foil, mask and glove. If you don’t have one you can rent one of each for a mere R10 an item.
* once you become a member of the CFA fencing club, you can use club equipment free of charge!

Q: Why should I take individual lessons?
Fencing is a highly intellectual and academic sport. Real “fencing” is the intellectual engagement in what you are doing and not just swinging your sword around mindlessly. In order to understand the sport deeply, one must learn from an experienced fencing master. Misha is the most qualified and experienced fencing coach in South Africa so count your self lucky!

Q: When can I start competing?
There is no need to compete in competitions but if you’re very keen then we recommend entering after at least 3 - 4 months of fencing.