Young People's Courses

Come and try your hand at fencing, one of the first sports played at the modern Olympics. In the age of chivalry, duelling was favoured as a method of settling matters of honour due to its grace and simplicity. These remain two of the most attractive aspects of the sport today. It is also very rewarding, developing all-round fitness, flexibility of movement, stamina, mental agility, coordination, balance and self-confidence. Above all, it is great fun!

All students should bring training shoes, tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt (optionally bring a second t-shirt to put on at the end). In addition you should bring a suitable drink and hand towel.

Day 1 - Introduction, health and safety, warm up,the en garde position, basic fencing steps, hitting and lunging, a parry and riposte, free play, warm down

Day 2 - Recap day 1, warm up, footwork, disengaging and circular/semi-circular parries plus free play and games followed by a warm down.

Day 3 - Recap day 2, warm up, footwork, compound attacks and successive parries, refereeing and rules of the game, free play and games, warm down

Day 4 - Recap day 3, warm up, footwork, counter attacks and beat attacks, Recap of course, free play and games, warm down.

Day 5 - Mini Competition for students with a poule round and direct eliminations.

Alan Knowles

BSc Fencing Instructor

About Alan

Alan started fencing in 1981 and was been taught by Steve Glaister. He began teaching fencing in 1988 and between 1989 and 1996 he held the posts of Chairman, Coach and Team Captain at Bradford University Fencing Club.

Alan currently holds BFA Coaching Award (2005) Level 4 in all Weapons.