FAQ

Just a pair of sneakers and sweat pants. We can get you set up with basic fencing equipment. Eventually though, you'll want to buy your own gear. We can help you out with that too. After all, you can't exactly go to the mall and buy fencing equipment.

Why do I need to join the USFA?

Becoming a USFA member is strongly suggested for all fencers and is required for membership at many clubs, including the PVFA. Members of the USFA receive a quarterly magazine as well as insurance. It is because of the insurance that many clubs require USFA membership of their members. USFA membership is also required to compete at USFA competitions.

What is the USFA?

The United States Fencing Association www.usfa.org is the national governing body of fencing in the United States.

Am I the right age to start fencing?

PVFA offers fencing to people 10 years and up. If you are healthy, there is really no upper age limit. Many people start fencing in their 50's and simply love it. If you've always had a fascination with swords or dueling please come by and try it.

Is fencing easy or hard?

The individual actions are often pretty simple but putting everything together can be rather challenging. Beginners often watch experienced fencers with amazement but soon enough beginners gain experience and a whole new set of beginners are in awe of them.

Does fencing hurt?

People wouldn't fence if it really hurt, now would they? Sometimes you might get poked a bit harder than you'd want and that can leave a bruise. Usually the pain from being hit is the last thing people are concerned with as they are more focused on the fun or the challenge of fencing. The protective equipment does work quite well!

Can I be like Zorro overnight?

Don't expect to be another Zorro or swashbuckler any time soon. After a few months though you'll find yourself able to defend yourself with a foil pretty comfortably. Stick with it, it is worth it.

Is fencing expensive?

It depends on the level to which you participate and compete as well as the amount and quality of the gear you buy. Fencing is in general cheaper than skiing or golf. If you are just starting out your biggest expense will be instruction and eventually your own gear. Highly competitive fencers may find themselves flying around the country (or world) for competitions and that can be fairly costly. Fencing equipment can last many years and as such a recreational fencer can fence fairly inexpensively once they have their own equipment.

Do I have to compete?

No. Competitions are an important part of fencing and it is strongly suggested that everyone participate in at least one. But if competition just isn't your thing that's fine. Many fencers just fence recreationally at their clubs.

I'm not exactly athletic. Can I still fence?

Athleticism does help but it certainly isn't required. As with taking up any new sport seeing your doctor ahead of time is a good idea.

I heard that fencing is bad for your knees. Is this true?

Not really. Most sports can leave people with creaky knees after years of participation and fencing can be one of them. Fencing certainly isn't as tough on the knees as sports like tennis, soccer, or skiing.

Foil, epee, saber...Which one is for me?

This is one of the most interesting topics in fencing. Some people fence only one weapon while others fence two or all three. The odd thing is the weapon usually chooses the person, instead of the other way around. Each of the three weapons has its own particular personality and to some extent favored body type.

Which one is the best?

If you ask a foilist they will say, "foil", a saber fencer will say, "saber", the epee fencer will say, "epee".