Free Intro Lesson

Every person coming to our club as a brand-new-never-fenced-before student will receive a FREE introductory lesson. This lesson lasts about 20 minutes and includes orientation of the club itself, explanation of the three sport fencing weapons, and a very abbreviated private lesson.

Private Lessons

Commonly referred to as 'lessons,' individual or private instruction is given in a one-on-one environment and lasts approximately 20-30 minutes. In the very beginning these lessons may not seem very exhausting, but as the fencer's skill increases, the lessons become more and more strenuous. Lessons are custom designed to each fencer, and are usually scheduled 1-3 times per week depending on the training schedule desired. Appointments are planned for times that are convenient for the student. Most students move very quickly with private lessons.

Off-Campus P.E.

Sword Sports now offers credit for Bossier Parish high school students who wish to learn to fence. The program is a 18 or 36 week commitment, depending on whether the student wishes to earn full credit or half. The first 9 weeks of the program is a standard beginning fencing program which focuses on the basics of safety, footwork, and parries. After this time period, the student will be ready to begin bouting, learning competition rules, and is considered a beginning fencer. After the first 18 weeks, the fencer may move to an intermediate status. If the student already knows how to fence, they move to the appropriate status and begin their individual program, including participation in local and away tournaments.

Group Bouting

Known by a variety of other names, such as free fencing, open fencing, pick-up fencing, group bouting is where the fun begins for a fencer. Like the piano student who is weary of practicing scales and arpeggios, the fencing student wants to practice his advance and retreat in a real piece of music. Since it is more fun initially when the fencers are more evenly matched, group bouting times are usually posted at Sword Sports to give the fencers an idea of when the various skill levels will be gathering to fence. You do not have to be taking lessons from anyone to participate in group boutings, but you are responsible for paying the appropriate floor fees.

Fencing Camps

Created generally for the younger student, fencing camps are a wonderful way to be completely immersed in fencing. In the summer, fencing camps are usually what is referred to as "day camps" where the fencers come during the day and go home at night. European style fencing camps are another type of fencing camp. In these camps, fencers stay in dormitories or with host families and keep company with the group, whether fencing or not, for the duration of the camp. This tends to build camaraderie and strong friendships among the fencers and the coaches.

Clinics

Clinics are shorter versions of camps and can be either the day or European style. Clinics are usually not for beginning fencers who have no knowledge, they are usually used to build on a particular skill and may even be isolated to just one weapon.