Frequently Asked Questions:
What is classical fencing?
Classical fencing is a different style of fencing than the more common style of sport fencing. Classical fencing focuses on using the sword as a weapon like it would have been used in historical duels. Since our training is meant to simulate a real fight, our style is more defense oriented and not getting hit is our primary goal.
Do I need any prior fencing experience to join?
No! We welcome any new members regardless of how much or how little prior knowledge of the sport you have.
What weapons do we train in?
Primarily we train in foil, dueling sword, and saber. We do occasionally train with other weapons such a rapier and single sticks, and we are open to trying other weapons if we can find a good source to learn from.
Do I need to purchase my own equipment?
No, the club maintains equipment for its members to use. This is so new members have time to decide if they want to stay with the group before investing in their own equipment.
What should I wear to fencing practice?
We recommend wearing sweatpants, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt. You need clothes that you can move around in easily and pants are preferable to shorts because they help protect the legs.
Is fencing dangerous?
Fencing is actually safer than most other sports because fencing does not involve direct body-to-body contact, which is the cause of most sport-related injuries. We are very serious about insuring that everyone wears the proper safety equipment and that all our equipment is maintained to work properly. Our training environment and style is organized to minimize risky actions, and dangerous out of control behavior is not tolerated.
Are there any fencing textbooks we recommend?
Our training is partially based off of Maestro William Gaugler's book, The Science of Fencing. Though it is not required to have, this is a very educational book that will help guide and explain what we do at practice.
What does a typical practice consist of?
We usually start practice with basic footwork drills and some stretching to warm up. The novice lesson follows in which fencers of all skill levels can participate in. Advanced fencers can still learn and improve their techniques during this lesson, and more experienced fencers can help the novice fencers learn faster. After the novice lesson, which usually lasts an hour, some senior fencers will typically engage in a juried assault, which is a sort of competitive duel. The senior lesson consists of more advanced drills for the more experienced fencers, and this usually lasts for about an hour after the juried assault.
How formal is the Marquette fencing group?
Our practices are well structured and we are all serious about learning how to fence. That being said, our practices tend to be fairly relaxed and informal. We are both a club sport and a social organization.