INFORMATION FOR THE NOVICE/COMPETITION FENCER

 
 ADVANCED INSTRUCTION
 After completing the Introductory Course (or equivalent), your next step is to transition into one of the general classes.  Classes are scheduled for a one hour session once a week and run continuously.  There is no beginning or end.  Admission to a class assumes completion of 20 weeks of basic foil instruction or equivalent.  

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to be reasonably consistent in their class attendance, i.e., they are requested to attend the same class or classes on the same night as much as possible in the interests of continuity and scheduling.  However, they may take additional classes on alternative days at the discretion of the instructor of that class.  This is to insure the safety of students and instructors.  Students who are regular attendees of a particular class have priority if space in the class is limited.  If you are going to be away for a month or more, upon your return, you will need to verify that there is still space available in your previous class.

For participation in class, you should carry in the shoes you will be wearing separately, and put them on before class.  DO NOT WEAR YOUR STREET SHOES FOR CLASS AND TRACK DIRT OR WATER ACROSS THE STRIPS.  It creates a dangerous situation for the fencers!


 CHANGING CLASSES

 Instructors are people and everyone is different.  Although our instructors all teach essentially the same techniques, you may find that you prefer the style and presentation of one instructor over another.  Although we recommend that you don't skip around unnecessarily, if you don't feel that you're making progress in a particular class after giving it a try for a while, please feel free to transfer your credit to another class and try a different instructor.  The instructor's feelings will not be hurt.  Please be sure to let Lisa know, as well as the instructor you are switching to for bookkeeping purposes.

OPEN BOUTING

On the Class Schedule, we have designated time periods on certain evenings for open bouting (coming to the club to fence without taking a lesson).  If you wish, you may come down on an evening other than your lesson night and just fence for fun!  There shouldn't be any difficulty finding someone to fence with, although some nights are better for certain weapons.  If you have any questions, ask.  We have many excellent fencers who do not take lessons on a regular basis and simply come down to the club one or two nights a week for open bouting.  Remember that classes and private lessons have priority regarding strip space.