Competing

Competitions

Entering competitions is a fun and exciting way to put all the moves you’ve learned to use. It’s also a really good way to improve your fencing by giving you the challenge of fencing new people, with the added spice of the competitive element.

What competitions can I do?

A good place to start are the competitions run by our local County Fencing Union—the Bucks, Berks & Oxon County Fencing Union. They run competitions for both adults and juniors, and they take place fairly locally, so they’re not too difficult to get to. You can find details of their competitions at the BB&O website — http://www.bbofencing.org/ After that, you could think about the Southern Regional competitions and then national age group competitions (for juniors) or national open competitions (for adults).

How can I enter?

Entry is normally by post.  There will be an entry fee to cover the running costs for the event—for BB&O competitions this is generally less than £10. Also you’ll need to be a member of British Fencing—see below—and you’ll need to quote your BFA membership number when entering. Committee members can provide you with entry details for competitions—just ask!

What do I need?

To fence in competitions you will need a full set of fencing kit— for foil fencing, the most popular weapon, and the one you will start with as a beginner, that means an under-plastron, jacket, mask, glove, breeches, a lamé over-jacket, body wire and electric foil (in fact, it’s a good idea to have two electric foils with you at a competition, as they can go wrong.) All of that sounds a lot, but we try to make it easy for new fencers—we have under-plastrons, body wires, lamés and foils you can borrow when you start going to competitions

Joining British Fencing

Thame Duellists is affiliated to British fencing, the organisation that oversees fencing in Britain. But you can also join as an individual member. As a member, you get:

·      The Sword magazine, four times a year

·      The right to enter fencing competitions

·       individual personal injury cover (as well as being covered by the club’s insurance)

When you join, you join one of the member organisations of  British Fencing—England Fencing, Scottish fencing, Welsh fencing or Northern Ireland Fencing (whichever fits you best). Membership costs are around £40 a year for adults and £30 a year for juniors (depending on age). It may sound a lot, but it’s worth it for the ability to enter competitions alone — it’s a great way to improve. We recommend that all fencers join British Fencing.