11/06/2020
It looks like fencing at the YMCA will start on Saturday Oct 11. See below for details
YMCA Fencing Program Restart
Fencing Quick Summary
Nir Family YMCA - Studio A (upstairs)
Beginner Youth (ages 9 to 13) @ 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Adults and Advanced Youth @ 12:30-2:00 PM
Classes will be limited to ten (10) persons
Pre-registration though the YMCA is required.
Preliminary Steps
1. Go to the USAFencing Web site, join the USAFencing as either a Non-competitive or Competitive Fencer
Go to https://www.usafencing.org/page/show/698114-individual-memberships
A. Web site: usafencing.org, pull down menu “Membership”, then individual membership.
B. Non-competitive membership is $10 (If you never plan to compete)
C. Competitive membership is $85.
D. Collegiate membership is $45.
E. Register as “Wilmington Fencers Club”, Coach “John Rea”.
F. USAFencing membership is required to be in class (or for free bouting)
2. Go to the Welcome Desk at the YMCA Or to the YMCA’s website: www.ymcasenc.org to get an account at the YMCA and register/pay for the fencing class. This allows you to register on-line either each week or monthly for the Saturday fencing class. (Note – if you are already a YMCA member, you already have an account).
New protocols
A. Body temperatures will be taken as you come into the Y.
B. Masks are required to be worn under the fencing masks. “Face coverings must be two-layer cloth masks or surgical face coverings. Single-layer gaiters, bandannas, masks with vents and the Leon Paul Facemask Shields or similar face coverings are not permitted.” (USAFencing.org has additional information).
C. Fencers who have their own equipment should not share with others. In particular, do not offer to let others use masks, gloves, weapons, etc. Each individual is responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of their own equipment following each practice, before returning to the fencing salle.
D: Fencers in need of equipment will be issued their own mask, jacket and glove, with orders to not share. They will take this equipment home to clean and disinfect after each class. A rental agreement will be signed and on file. Weapons will not be issued to beginners to take home. See Page 2 for additional information.
E: Weapons will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each class, and not shared.
F: For beginner fencers, knickers for foil/sabe are not necessarily required (based on additional costs), but are required for Epee.
G: For beginner foil and saber fencers, electric fencing is delayed until they can afford their own lames (so as to reduce probability of transmission of Covid-19).
Additional information:
Equipment for beginners
You can purchase new equipment at (Recommended BlueGauntlet.com, order through Coach John to receive a 15% discount). A five piece high quality is ~$180. The five pieces include Jacket, Mask, Glove, one non-electric foil, and a fencing bag to carry the equipment. See https://www.blue-gauntlet.com/Foil-Fencing-SETs_c_298.html
Alternately, you can obtain used equipment from Coach John for a $100 fee ($50 refundable). Jacket, Mask & Glove are included. The $50 is refunded when you purchase your own equipment or turn the equipment back in.
Big Picture
Dedicated fencers: If you want to go to tournaments, and are intending to qualify for US national championships, and want the very best equipment, you would probably want to equip yourself like Coach John has (Jacket ~$250, Mask ~$240, Knickers ~$180, Inner Protector ~$95, three body cords @$25 each, Lame ~$180, Weapons @$150 each (probably 3 weapons).
And if you want to fence all three weapons, at least two weapons of each kind. And a fencing bag with wheels to carry everything. Just saying….
Foil Fencing SETs
