At West Branch Fencers, you will find a friendly, supportive environment where people of all ages and skill levels meet to learn and enjoy the sport of fencing. Whether you have never fenced before or are an experienced fencer, you will find what you need at the West Branch Fencers.
No experience required. We have all the equipment you will need. Take one of our classes, fence for recreation, drill for competition, or really improve your game by taking lessons with our expert fencing coaches. All this and more await you at West Branch Fencers in Lewisburg, PA.
Our fencing masters are experienced instructors who have coached top-level fencing champions. They are caring coaches who have been imparting their skills with foil, epee and saber to grateful students for over 30 years.
By the way, the club’s name refers to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, on which the historic town of Lewisburg is situated.
Fencing is a family of popular martial arts sports using bladed weapons.
Three types of weapon are used in modern fencing:
- Foil—a light thrusting weapon that targets the torso, including the back, but not the arms. Hits are scored only with the tip; hits with the side of the blade do not count. Only a single hit can be scored by either fencer at one time. If both fencers hit at the same time, the referee uses the rules of “right of way” to determine which fencer gets the point.
- Saber—a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist, including the arms and hands. A descendent of the cavalry sword, the saber is primarily used to slash, so hits with the side of the blade as well as the tip are valid. “Right of way” applies—only one fencer can score at a time.
- Épée—a heavy thrusting weapon that targets the entire body. All hits must be with the tip and not the sides of the blade. Unlike foil and saber, Épée does not use right of way, and allows simultaneous hits by both fencers.
Modern fencing appeared in the 19th century, as a direct continuation of the 18th century French school of fencing which had in turn been influenced by the Italian school of the Renaissance. Fencing is one of four sports which have been featured at every one of the modern Olympic Games.
Think of fencing as athletic chess. The practice of fencing is beneficial in so many ways. The fluid movements and balance required develop grace and stamina. Fencing is an aerobic workout that strengthens the heart and stretches the muscles. Most of all, it sharpens your reflexes.
And it’s a fun workout. Unlike spending tedious hours on a Stairmaster, fencing is a social sport. It features lightning-fast, tactical moves that engage your mind as well as your body. Though strength can be an advantage, skill and tactics are far more important, and therefore fencing is one of the few martial arts in which co-educational bouts are common.
Men and women of all ages, sizes, and shapes are learning to fence. It’s a very safe and lifelong sport. Fencing is a great way to get and to stay in shape. It promotes both physical and mental discipline and agility. Individuals are able to tailor their fencing experience, choosing to fence for fitness, sports competition or just for fun!
Fundamentals classes run for ten weeks. Each class consists of stretching and fencing exercises, followed by footwork, blade work and practice bouting. History, competition strategy, and basic physical and mental discipline are also taught. All equipment is furnished.
Instructional and material fees for the entire basic beginners course is only $50 per person unless otherwise noted. After completing the class, students are invited to join the club and further develop their fencing skills through private lessons, open fencing, and tournament competition.
