Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Fencing Clubs in Central Ohio

Fencing Clubs in Columbus Ohio

I recently had the opportunity to visit several fencing clubs in Columbus, Ohio, and I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of instruction and facilities at each of the clubs I visited. After careful consideration, I have determined that the following three clubs are the best fencing in Columbus Ohio:

The Columbus Fencing and Fitness Academy 

The Columbus Fencing and Fitness Academy is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Columbus, and it offers a wide range of fencing programs for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. The coaches at the academy are experienced and knowledgeable, and they provide excellent instruction and guidance to help their students improve their fencing skills. In addition to their fencing programs, the academy also offers fitness classes and personal training, making it a great option for those who are looking to improve their overall physical fitness.

Address: 4150 Tuller Rd #236, Dublin, OH 43017

Phone: (614) 336-2464

Website: www.614fencing.com

Columbus Fencing and Fitness





The Ohio State University Olympic Fencing Club 

As one might expect, the OSU Fencing Club is a top-notch club that offers high-quality instruction and competitive opportunities for its members. The club is run by a dedicated group of student volunteers, and they offer a variety of fencing programs, including beginner classes, advanced classes, and competitive teams. The club also hosts regular tournaments and other fencing events, giving its members the chance to compete against other fencers from around the region.

Address: RPAC Multipurpose Room # 3

Contact: https://discord.com/invite/9PfyUyXKz3

Website: osufencingclub.wixsite.com/buckeyefencingclub

OSU Fencing Club











Columbus International Fencing Academy

Columbus International Fencing Academy is located in the Steelwood Training Facility  beautiful old building in the University View neighborhood of Columbus, and it offers a wide range of fencing programs for all ages and skill levels. The coaches at the Columbus International Fencing Academy are highly skilled and experienced, and they provide top-notch instruction to help their students improve their fencing skills. In addition to the main three types of fencing, the club also offers classes in historical fencing, making it a great option for those who are interested in the history of fencing as well as the modern sport.

Overall, I was very impressed by the quality of instruction and facilities at the fencing clubs I visited in Columbus, and I would highly recommend any of the clubs listed above to anyone who is interested in learning how to fence. 

Address: 1160 Steelwood Rd. Columbus, OH 43212

Phone: (614) 906 - 9181 

Website: www.cbusifa.com

Columbus International Fencing Academy





Royal Arts Fencing Academy

Royal Arts Fencing Academy teaches all three Olympic weapons and has top international talent.  They provide a low coach to student ratio to provide you with the best training. You can learn the noble art of fencing, including information about swords, moves, competitions and future opportunities for Fencing Sport Scholarships from the best colleges in the country. All equipment provided. Safe fun for the whole family ages: 5 - 105.

Royal Arts was formed in 2001 by 13-year Russian National Team member Julia Richey to fill a gap of professional fencing education in central Ohio. Royal Arts is now the largest club in central Ohio and host of the Arnold Schwarznegger Fencing Classic, the largest independently run tournament in the nation. Royal Arts continues to grow and add new benefits for members.

Address: 5770 Westbourne Ave. Columbus, OH 43213

Phone: (614) 330-2445

Website: royalarts.org

Royal Arts Fencing Academy



















Profencing - Fencing Training Center

Profencing - Fencing Training Center, located in Delware, Ohio, provides a safe and healthy environment for the learning, practice and enjoyment of the sport of fencing. 

​Their mission is to offer the sport of fencing, with all its transferable skills for learning and discipline, to a wide range of students across Central Ohio.

​Classes are offered at their Fencing Training Center in Lewis Center, and at several schools and recreational Centers throughout Central Ohio.

​Profencing provides a welcoming and supporting atmosphere for fencers of all skills, levels and ages and, more importantly, we promote a healthy and active lifestyle among members. 

Address: 9034 Cotter St. Lewis Center, OH 43035

Phone: (614) 256-8503

Website: www.profencing.org

Profencing - Fencing Training Center






In conclusion, fencing clubs are a great way to meet new people and improve your fitness level. They offer classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels, which means that everyone has the opportunity to participate regardless of their skill level.

The best part is that you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to join a club; instead, you can usually sign up for free trials and pay later. So whether you want to compete against other fencers or just train for fun, there's bound to be a club near you that fits your schedule and budget.

Glossary of Fencing Terms

Glossary of Fencing Terms

When learning fencing, you'll quickly learn that fencing has its own language. It's not just words; it's also actions. And while most people understand fencing terminology, many people don't really understand fencing concepts.

This glossary will help you get started with fencing vocabulary and fencing concepts. It includes definitions of common fencing terms, as well as explanations of fencing techniques and tactics.  This post links to my post on Columbus fencing clubs.

Advance: Taking a step towards your opponent.

Attack: Movement or series of movements by which a fencer attempts to score a point. In foil and saber, the fencer who attacks first acquires the “right‐of‐way.” In order to execute an attack properly (i.e. one that the referee will score), the fencer’s hand must clearly extend towards their opponent’s valid target in a threatening manner.

Beat: Sharp tap on the opponent’s blade to initiate an attack or provoke a response.

Engagement: Contact between the fencers’ blades – often as the initiation of an attack.

En Garde: Positions taken before fencing commences.

Feint: A false attack intended to get a defensive response from the opposing fencer, thus creating the opportunity for an attack (“feint‐disengage attack”)

Fleche: Explosive, running attack (Only in Foil and Epee.)

fleche fencing













Flunge: Action unique to saber – a combination of a lunge and a fleche. Evolved recently after the FIE modified saber rules in 1992 to prohibit running attacks.

flunge fencing













Guard: Part action in which a fencer blocks his opponent’s blade.

Lunge: Most common attacking technique, in which the fencer launches themselves at their opponent by pushing off from the back leg (which generally remains stationary).

Parry: Defensive action in which a fencer blocks his opponent’s blade.

Piste: French term for the fencing strip.

Point‐in‐Line: Action in which the fencer, who is generally out of attacking range, points their weapon at their opponent with their arm fully extended. A fencer who establishes a point in line has right‐of‐way, and their opponent cannot attack until they remove the blade from line by executing a beat.

Recover: The return to the en guarde position after lunging.

Riposte: Defender’s offensive action immediately after parrying their opponent’s attack. 












Second Intention: A tactic in which a fencer executes a convincing, yet false, action in hopes of drawing a true, committed reaction from their opponent.

Stop Hit, Stop Cut(saber): A counter‐action made at the moment of an opponent’s hesitation, feint, or poorly executed attack. To be awarded the point, the fencer attempting to stop hit must clearly catch their opponent’s tempo. Hence, if their Stop Hit is not “in time,” the referee may award the touch to their attacker.

Strip: Fencing area, 14 meters long by 2 meters wide.

In conclusion, we hope that you found our glossary of fencing terms useful. We know that learning these terms can be difficult. That's why we made sure to include definitions for each term, along with examples of their use in all types of fencing. So whether you want to brush up on your fencing vocabulary or you're trying to figure out which term means what, this guide is here to help!

Now that you have learned the terms used in fencing now it is time to learn about the equipment used in the sport of fencing.

We'd love to hear your feedback on this glossary, so please let us know what you thought of it. Also, if you have any suggestions for future entries, we'd love to hear them too!

What equipment of you need for fencing?

 

What equipment do you need for fencing?

Fencing Equipment

Fencing has been around for centuries, but it was not until the 20th century that fencing became a popular sport at the Olympics.  Check out the following

Fencing Shoes

Fence requires a great deal of agility, speed, and balance. A fencer must have excellent foot control and coordination, and should also have strong ankles. Good footwear is essential for safe and effective movement. Fence footwear can vary greatly in price depending upon the materials used. Some people choose to buy custom-fitted boots, while others prefer cheaper alternatives such as running sneakers. Whatever your choice may be, make sure that your footwear provides adequate support and comfort.

fencing shoes


Body Cord

All fencing weapons make utilize a power source, which attaches to the weapon, goes into the fencer's clothing, and connects the other side on the fencing reel. Power sources are essential for fencers when practicing or fighting, as they are used to signal to the referees when a fencer is being hit. They are also vital for safety reasons, as if a fencer loses control of his/her weapon, he/she could injure himself/herself. Power supplies vary in price from $20 to $30.

body cord fencing


Blades

A foil sword is made up of two parts; the hilt (the handle) and the tip (the point). It has no guard, but it is usually longer than

Steel fencing is usually manufactured using carbon steel, which makes them strong but brittle. They're often bent and may break if they get too sharp, but after some time, they become dull and need to be replaced. Fencing lengths vary depending on the sport. Youth fencers must fence with a short length of steel for their first few years of training. After that, they can switch to longer lengths of steel.

There are various types of skates, but each type has its own characteristics. You'll become familiar with them as you learn the sport.

There are three types of fencing blade materials:

  • Non-FIE Approved
  • FIE Approved
  • BF Blades

The FIE is an international organization that governs fencing. Its mission is to promote fencing around the world. Fencing is a very popular sport, and one that requires expensive equipment. In order to keep costs down, the FIE decided that only approved fencers could use certain types of equipment. These are known as "non-FIE" (not approved) weapons. For example, if you wanted to fence with a foil, then your weapon would have to meet the standards set by the FIE. If your weapon did not pass these tests, then it was considered unsafe and thus illegal to use. However, if you wanted to compete in a tournament using a sabre, then your blade had to be approved by the FIE before it could be allowed into competition.

If you're looking for the best blades, then look for them from a reputable company. They're usually made in a well-know factory in Europe.

blades for fencing


Chest Protector

A chest guard is a protective device worn around the chest region of a fencer during competition. Chest guards come in various shapes and sizes and are designed to protect the upper part of the body from potential injury caused by contact with another person’s weapon. They may range from simple padding to complex devices that cover the entire torso. Some chest guards are intended only for training purposes, while others are used exclusively during competitions.

Fencing equipment differs depending upon whether you're fencing with a sabre, an épée, or a foil. For sabres and épées, the equipment includes a headguard, a helmet, and a body protector; whereas for foils, the equipment includes a mask, gloves, and a guard.

Clothing

You might be able to practice without changing out of your regular workout clothes, but if you're going to train for hours at a time, you may want to change into something lighter and less sweaty.

Complete Electrical Epee

For fencing, if you're looking to fence, you will first require an entire set of fencing equipment, including everything needed to connect to the electric score board.

An electric fencing system consists of the following: 

  • Grip
  • Epee socket
  • Epee guard pad
  • Epee guard
  • Wired Epee Blade
  • Epee point (screw, blade, spring)

Every year, before the beginning of each tournament, the referees will check the equipment used by the competitors to ensure that everything works properly and that nobody gets hurt. They will also check the electronic scoreboard to make sure it doesn't malfunction and that nobody gets injured. Epees can range in price between $100 and $200, depending on what parts were assembled into them.

Complete Electrical Foil

Foil requires a fully functional foil weapon with all the electrical components needed to connect to an electrical scoring system. You cannot use any other type of foil weapon nor can you use any other type of electrical component for either weapon.

A complete foil consists of the following components: 

  • Pommel
  • Foil/Saber socket
  • Foil guard pad
  • Foil guard
  • Wired foil blade
  • Foil point tape
  • Foiling is when you use a special tool called a foiler to create an even coating of paint

 Like in fencing, referees will test both fencers’ foil before the beginning of each bout, to ensure that their equipment is functioning properly and up to par.

Foilists will often use their electric lames to check if the scoring system is working properly. They may even score each other's foils to see if they're working correctly. Prices for an entire foil range from around $50 up into the hundreds of dollars.

Complete Electrical Saber

A complete electrical sabre is the simplest of all fencers' weapons. It's made up of three parts: the handle, the grip, and the weapon itself. The handle holds the grip, which holds the weapon. The weapon has no wires or blades; instead, it contains an electric circuit. 

  • Saber grip
  • Saber guard pad
  • Saber guard
  • Saber blade

Fencing requires a great deal of skill and practice, especially if one wants to win. Because of this, fencing matches can take hours upon hours to complete. To ensure the safety of both fencer and audience, before a match begins, they must check the equipment and scoreboards to see how things stand. Epees and foils require much more expensive equipment, so fencer would rather spend money on these items instead of buying a cheap sabre. The price range for an epee is around $200-$500, and a foil costs anywhere from $300-$1000.

Epee Equipment 

  • Epee Mask
  • Epee Body Cord
  • Foil/Epee Body Cord
  • Foil/Epee Glove

 

Epee Test Kit

Before the beginning of each fencing bout, the referees will perform three checks on both competitors' weapons. They will use a 750g weight and a shim to ensure the weapon is working correctly and meets the requirements of the tournament. If either fencers weapon fails one of those three checks then they receive a yellow cards before the start of the match. Because of this, it is very important to check your equipment before entering the arena. You can buy a complete testing package including a shim, weights, and a testing device for around £50. A good quality epees must have a solid connection so it is worth investing in a proper epees testing device.

Fencing Masks

The most common type of protective gear used in sports such as football, basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, tennis, volleyball, boxing, wrestling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Mascots also often wear these items to protect themselves from injuries during fights. They are worn on the head and face, protecting against cuts and bruises. These can range from simple bandages to complete suits of armor.

 

  • Saber Mask

  • Foil Mask

 

A sabre (from French) is a type of sword used primarily in fencing. They are made of steel and have a single edge blade. In modern usage they are often used as an alternative to the épée due to their lighter weight and ease of handling. Their main advantage is that they do not require any special equipment to score them, unlike the épée. The sabre was invented by Jules Goupy de Failly in 1848. He also designed the first sabre to be used in competition, the "Failly" sabre. His design was copied by Émile Molitor, who improved upon it and introduced the current version of the sabre.

A sabre is a type of sword used primarily during fencing competitions. They were originally designed to be used against a single opponent, but can also be used in duels or fights between two people. Sabers are typically longer than epees, and are generally heavier. In addition to being used in combat, they are often used for ceremonial purposes. Epees are lighter and shorter than sabres, and are typically only used in combat situations. Epees cost around $50.

A fencing costume consists of a helmet (for protection), a chest protector (to protect your heart) and a pair of gloves (so you won't get cut). Fencing costumes come in two types: those made of leather and those made of plastic. Leather ones are more expensive ($200-$300) than the plastic ones ($100-$150). Both styles are very durable and last for a lifetime. Most people who compete in tournaments choose leather because it feels better against the skin. Plastic fencing costumes are cheaper ($50-$60) than leather ones, but they do not feel as good. They are also not as durable. However, if you're only competing once every three months, then plastic may be fine for you.

Foil Test Kit

Similar to epees, before foils match, refs also check both players' pikes, to make sure they're fully functional and up to par. In fencing, the ref will only perform the weight check, by putting a 250 g weight on each player's pike. A pike testing set consists of a pike testing weight, a pike body cord, and a testing box that simulates the electrical scoring system. Fencingists can test their pikes and body cords before stepping onto the piste and avoiding penalties for faulty equipment. A pike testing kits should cost you about $40.

Fencing Bag

Fencers often spend hours traveling for tournaments, and thus require the right gear to protect themselves. Fencer's gear is generally large enough to hold multiple weapons, and spacious enough to fit a fencer's helmet. Fencer's gear usually has two separate compartments and plenty of pockets. The best fencer's gear also has wheels, as all the fencer's gear can be extremely heavy. Prices range from cheap to expensive, depending on how much room and features the bag has. For instance, the cheapest models without any wheels and storage capacity can cost around $40, while the top models with tons of room and extra pockets can cost upwards of $300.

Fencing Pants

When purchasing your new pair of trousers for your next bout, you need to consider comfort first; then, if you want them to last longer than one match, you need to buy something that won't wear out quickly.

The pants usually have a pair of suspensory straps attached to them that goes around your waist and then across your back. These straps keep the pants from falling down during the bout. Although you may see some fencers wearing their pants without any sort of support, they should only be worn if you are just getting started. During actual matches, you should wear the correct type of clothing. Fence without the proper attire and you could end up hurting yourself. The cost of the uniform varies depending on what material you choose. Some cheaper options include cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, and lycra. More expensive choices include leather, silk, and microfiber.

Fencing Repair Kit

It’s no surprise that fencing involves lots of small parts and electrical equipment. But even though there are plenty of things that go wrong during a match, people who fence regularly might be surprised by just how frequently they have to fix their gear.

As far as fencing equipment goes, there are some similarities among them, but they're also quite different. Therefore, the price of buying your own personal tools will depend on which fencing weapon you want to fix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fencing is a sport that requires a lot of equipment. From the protective gear you wear to the weapons you use, fencing has a lot of new terms to learn. However, if you want to become a true fencer, you won't be able to succeed without investing in the right tools. So whether you're planning on joining a club or taking lessons from a professional coach, here are some of the pieces of equipment you'll need to get started.

The first piece of equipment you'll need is a pair of protective gloves. These are essential because they protect your hands from injury during training sessions and competitions. They also help keep your fingers warm, which is especially helpful when practicing techniques like parries and ripostes.

Next, you'll need a set of protective pads. These are used to cushion blows to the face, chest, and legs. They're also useful for protecting against cuts and bruises. Finally, you'll need a helmet. This helps prevent injuries to your head and neck, and it protects you from falling objects.

Once you have these items, you're ready to begin learning the basics of fencing. But don't worry; you don't need to know anything about the history of the sport or how to hold a sword to join a club or take classes. Instead, focus on mastering the fundamentals of technique and strategy. Once you've mastered those, you'll be ready to move onto the next level of competition.

What are the 3 types of fencing?

 

What are the 3 types of fencing?

There are three different types of fencing: epee, foil and sabre.

All three fencing disciplines share some common goals, but they're quite different in terms of rules, appearance, styles of play, skill sets, and requirements. People who participate in the various forms of the art tend to specialize in one form, and spend most of their training focused on just that particular form.

Foil

Foil is a sport where fencers need the correct combo of precision and speed. In foil, the targe is the chest, excluding the arm. Foil fencers wear an electrical jacket that coverts the targe and with a series of electronics, determine whether a fence was touched on or off of the targe. Only in foil, bout stops if a touch is landed off the valid targe, which is signaled by a white light in scoreboard. Foil makes utilize of priority rule, like saber.

foil fencing


Epee

Epee is one of the simpler forms of modern fencing. It consists of two swords, an épée and a foil, each held in a single hand. The épée is used to strike the foil; if the épée touches the foil then the score is awarded to the attacker. In addition, the épée must touch the ground before touching the foil. A hit scored against the defender counts as a point (one point per hit), whereas a hit scored against the attacker does not count as a point. An attacker can also score points by hitting his own weapon into the ground.

Epee fencing


Saber

Sabre is the fastest sword in fencing. Sabers must be quick in their legs, and in their mind, because there is not much time between touches in Sabre. Unlike other styles of fencing, in sabre, fencers may use either the tip or the side of their swords to make contact with their opponents. The valid target areas in Sabre include any part of the body except the face. Like other fencing disciplines, Sabre uses "priorities", but they are not exactly the same for each discipline.

saber fencing

























In conclusion, there's nothing like the thrill of a sword fight to keep you focused and motivated. But if you want to really master the art of fencing, you'll need to know which type of weapon suits you best. There are three main styles of fencing, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. So whether you prefer rapiers, broadswords, or sabers, here's a quick guide to help you choose the right style for you.

The first step is to decide between foil, epee, or saber. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to figure out which one works best for you. For example, saber fencers tend to be stronger than epees, but weaker than foils. On the flip side, epees are strong against sabers, but weak against foils.

Once you've decided which style you'd like to focus on, you'll need to learn the vocabulary of the sport of fencing and pick a fencing club. This means choosing a teacher who specializes in teaching that particular style. Once you've found someone who teaches what you want to learn, you'll need to train hard. Fencing takes years to truly master, so don't expect to become a pro overnight. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself and work toward them slowly and steadily.


Fencing Clubs in Central Ohio

Fencing Clubs in Columbus Ohio I recently had the opportunity to visit several fencing clubs in Columbus, Ohio , and I was pleasantly surpri...