I'm not expecting much success with this, as other posts have got pretty minimal response, but my girlfriend is intersted in having a stab at fencing (so to speak) and I was wondering if anyone knew if the clubs/schools that used to be in Broomhill and Ringinglow were still going?

I know there's one at EIS, but I can't be doing with driving that far...

I think these ones might be the ones you're thinking of-

SHEFFIELD BUCCANEERS FENCING CLUB

Coaching in all aspects of foil, epee and sabre fencing.

Contact Name: Adam Blight
Telephone 1: 0114 273 8681
Mobile: 07761 284378
Email: adamblight10@wannadoo.co.uk


Meet Details
Birkdale School Gymnasium
Birkdale School
4 Oakholme Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S10 3DF
Days and Times: Wed 7-8.30pm (juniors aged 7-14 years), 8.30-10pm (seniors aged 14 years and over)

Record last Amended 09/06/2009
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SHEFFIELD FENCING SCHOOL

Fencing school for adults and children aged 11 years and over. Mixed abilities from junior to senior.

Contact Name: Toby Hazel
Telephone 1: 0114 236 4727
Email: sheffieldfencingschool@O2.co.uk

Meet details
Room 2
Ecclesall Parish Hall
Ringinglow Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S11 7PQ
Days and Times: Thurs 6.30-8.30pm

Record last Amended 09/06/2009

Class, thanks v much. I found those when I did a search but wasn't sure how recent the listings were. I'll give them a try now

Did you give it a go?

They're both still going but the club at the EIS has an Olympic coach so I'd recommend that one.

Yep, I gave it a go. And will be going again tomorrow - my girlfriend and I really enjoyed it. We ended up trying the place at Ringinglow - very friendly and a good mix of people.

I think EIS is probably a bit more "hardcore" than the others due to the competition-geared training I gather they focus on, so I gave it a miss. We'd just slow them down!

We don't focus on competition training but it is available if required. If you're happy at Ringinglow that's fine so I hope to see you at the EIS one day in the future.

Remember, fencers are always on the piste.

Sorry, didn't mean to mis-represent. As I said in my original post, my main issue with trying there was the drive there and back. On reflection I now remember exchanging emails with someone from EIS a year or so ago and they seemed very friendly and accommodating of beginners. Sorry!

Hello LH,

Just spotted your post. A new club has opened in your area:

Mylnhurst Community Fencing Club

British Fencing qualified coach delivering the the most up to date courses in fencing. All 3 Olympic weapons (foil, sabre & epee) catered for from absolute beginner to advanced performance levels.

All ages catered for.

Fencing kit is provided in the basic cost of the course.

These classes are delivered in first class modern venues with shower facilities, excellent disabled access, parking and bar/TV/snack facilities available. Spectators/parents welcome. Please contact me to confirm a place on our next available course. I look forward to hearing from you.

Mylnhurst Sports Centre, Mylnhurst Preparatory School,
Button Hill, Ecclesall, Sheffield, S11 9HJ., South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Mondays, 7.30PM to 9.30PM, term time only.

Rates: Members - £6 (Consessions £5) / week, Drop-in +£1.

Yours... Coach3W

A slightly different approach to consider: rather than sport-fencing, has your girlfriend considered medieval re-enactment? You get the sword-training, but starting with broadsword rather than the modern sporting blades, and then moving on to all sorts of other pre-gunpowder weapons.

I'm not saying either is "better" than the others, it depends what she/you want. Re-enactment gives you the competitive element of fighting both as an individual in tournaments and as part of a unit in massed battles, sometimes with up to 2000 opponents on the field. There's also a whole lot of other historical which run alongside the fighting. Sport fencing provides the 'on the piste' competition with very strict rules, which I personally find quite sterile.

Best of all, you can try re-enactment for a few weeks for free to see if you like it and us. Come to Knights In Battle's practices at St Augustine's Church on Brocco Bank every Wednesday and say hello.

www.knightsinbattle.com

Just a quick reply regarding fencing rules:

Most rules in fencing are there to protect the fencer from any brutish elements or put off those who might be tempted to cheat...

Regards... Coach3W

A slightly different approach to consider: rather than sport-fencing, has your girlfriend considered medieval re-enactment? You get the sword-training, but starting with broadsword rather than the modern sporting blades, and then moving on to all sorts of other pre-gunpowder weapons.

I'm not saying either is "better" than the others, it depends what she/you want. Re-enactment gives you the competitive element of fighting both as an individual in tournaments and as part of a unit in massed battles, sometimes with up to 2000 opponents on the field. There's also a whole lot of other historical which run alongside the fighting. Sport fencing provides the 'on the piste' competition with very strict rules, which I personally find quite sterile.

Best of all, you can try re-enactment for a few weeks for free to see if you like it and us. Come to Knights In Battle's practices at St Augustine's Church on Brocco Bank every Wednesday and say hello.

Fencing is French yeah? I would be so interested in this

Just a quick reply regarding fencing rules:

Most rules in fencing are there to protect the fencer from any brutish elements or put off those who might be tempted to cheat...

Regards... Coach3W


Absolutely, and we have strict safety rules in re-enactment fighting for the same reasons.

My point was only that I see the rules in sport fencing as restrictive to the point where they are changing the 'feel' of the fighting. For example, being 'on the piste' restricts you to very linear forward-and-back fighting, but the freedom of re-enactment styles means that you can, if you feel it would be advantageous, move round to your opponent's weaker side. Sword and buckler works very much in this style, where you defend with one (not necessarily the buckler) and step around to your opponent's blocked side to attack with the other. It allows you to be much more creative with your fighting style.

Can anyone recommend where to buy fencing gear?Also can anyone give feedback on the Mylnhurst /Buccaneers club as I'm pondering where to go to resume fencing. I used to go to EIS but I didn't feel it was the place for me but I really missed it when I gave up. Luckily I stumbled upon the forum. Thanks.

Have a look at buccaneersfencing.co.uk for information about Sheffield Buccaneers Fencing Club. You would be very welcome to come down on any Wednesday. For fencing kit, look at the websites for - Leon Paul Equipment, Alstar UK, 2020 Alpha, Blades, Duellist.

Have a look at buccaneersfencing.co.uk for information about Sheffield Buccaneers Fencing Club. You would be very welcome to come down on any Wednesday. For fencing kit, look at the websites for - Leon Paul Equipment, Alstar UK, 2020 Alpha, Blades, Duellist.
Thanks djarisf -appreciated!

The contact details for Sheffield Fencing School have changed. The phone number is now 01246 566854 and the price is £6 per session or £20 for 4 sessions.

Hi, does anyone know where there is any historical sword fighting/fencing lessons being held? My O/H would love to take this up.

Thanks in advance
Angi

Hi Angilaruk,

See my post above about Knights In Battle (http://www.knightsinbattle.com). We start training everyone with the broadsword (and then move on to other weapons, like mace and pollaxe). We concentrate on historical fighting rather than the fencing aspect.

Send your O/H along to see us at St Augustine's any Wednesday night and see if he likes what he sees.

Hi, does anyone know where there is any historical sword fighting/fencing lessons being held? My O/H would love to take this up.

Thanks in advance
Angi

Fencing lessons are available at the EIS at Attercliffe with Sheffield Sword Club (http://www.sheffieldswordclub.co.uk/). Beginners are always welcome.

If you live on the south Side of Sheffield you might like to try Wingerworth Fencing Club (http://www.wingerworthfencingclub.co.uk/) which is just the other side of Chesterfield.