Chilwell Blades Fencing Club

frequently asked questions

who is the beginners course for?

The Beginners Course is structured to give those who have never fenced before a good idea of what the sport

is all about. The course is also ideal for those who have attended a 'Taster Session' in Fencing (for example at

Center Parcs, etc) and would like to learn more. The course is for ages 10 and upwards, please note that the

minimum age for the course is 10 years. If you (or your child) is not at least 10 years old you need to wait before

you can join a Beginners Course at Chilwell Blades. This rule will not be bent under ANY circumstances. If you are

'nearly 10' or will be 10 part way through the course, you will have to wait until the next Beginners Course.

what age range is the beginners course (and indeed the sport of fencing) suitable for?

The minimum age for the Beginners Course at Chilwell is 10 years. There is no upper age limit for either

the Beginners Course or for fencing. It's a great sport for all ages and is FANTASTIC! for building up physical

fitness, agility, bodytone, balance and control. You're never too old to learn fencing either.

safety

At Chilwell Blades Fencing Club we take the safety of ourselves and other club members extremely seriously, to

protect each other against accidents. We have our own strict safety rules which are in accordance with those set

out by the British Fencing Association. These rules will be explained to you on your first night at the club and

you will be expected to adhere to them throughout your time as a member of Chilwell Blades. Anyone acting

irresponsibly and/or breaking the safety rules may be asked to leave the club.

what should I wear?

You should wear comfortable tracksuit bottoms, T-shirt and trainers for the beginners class. All other equipment

will be provided by the Club.

how much does the beginners course cost?

The Beginners Course costs Ł50 for adults and children - Note there are no family / group discounts or

reductions for children / students / unwaged etc. The Ł50 includes full membership of the Club for the term as

well as the course itself.

when do I have to pay?

The payment of the Ł50 course fee will secure you a place on the Beginners Course. The places will be offered

to the first 15 people who confirm they wish to attend the course and send payment. There will be a maximum

of 7 places available to persons under 14 years.

when does the next beginners courses start?

Wednesday September 10th 7.00-8.30pm 2008.

how big are the classes?

The class will be limited to 15 people. There will be at least 1 qualified coach to teach the class and there will also

be other Club members helping out alongside.

is there a waiting list that I must put my name down on before attending?

If you are interested in reserving a place on the next Beginners Course, send us an e-mail and we'll get back

to you when we have decided on the date for the next course.

what if I miss the first week of the beginners course?

Don't worry if you can't make the first week - once you have paid for your place, it is secured. However, if you

miss the first 2 weeks for some reason, you might have trouble catching up.The Beginners Course is structured

and following weeks build on the skills learnt in the previous weeks. Also the first week is dedicated to Safety and

being fitted out with Club Kit, which takes quite a bit of time! It is much easier if 'Kitting up' is done altogether in

the first week.

can i bring my mate along part way through the beginners course?

No. As stated above, the Beginners Course is structured and following weeks build on the skills learnt in the

previous weeks. It does require some commitment from the people undertaking the course. Once the 15 places

are taken (i.e. paid for) there will be no further places offered on this course.

is there public transport to the chilwell olympia?

Your best bet is to contact the local bus companies or ring Chilwell Olympia itself and ask them.

i really, really want to try fencing and can't wait until the next beginners course at Chilwell,

are there any alternatives?

Best bet is to look at the list of Clubs on www.britishfencing.com

what do we do after we've completed the beginners course?

The Beginners Course lasts for one Term and works towards completion of your Bronze Certificate. Membership of

the Club is included in the Beginners Course Fees. If you wish to return to the Club after the Beginners Course, you

can join as a full member of the Club and if you wish, proceed through your Silver & Gold awards and try other

weapons. You pay the standard club membership fee, which entitles you to use the Club equipment free of further

charge. However, if there is another Beginners Class starting the following term, they will have priority use of the

Club Kit. Members are encouraged to buy their own kit so they can proceed onto the electric pistes.

what do we do about getting kit after we've completed the beginners course?

There are a number of specialist Fencing Equipment manufacturers, please see the 'KIT & ARMOURY' page for

full details and links to these sites. If you want to try on some gear, ask members of the Club so you can get a

feel for the different manufacturers sizes, etc before ordering.

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