Woodhouse Eaves Fencing Club

Thank you for you enquiry concerning fencing and Woodhouse Eaves Fencing Club.

This page has been designed to provide you with all you initially need to know, but should you wish to clarify anything please do not hesitiate to email us.

For those non-fencers who would like to try the sport of fencing. Click here or click the Try Fencing menu option.

When does the club meet?
The Club has two sessions each week:

• Wednesdays 7:15 - 8:45 for Juniors (The minimum age for children is 13)
• Thursdays 7:00 - 9:00 for Adults (18+)

Where does the club meet?
We are based at The Defence Sixth Form College, Forest Road, Woodhouse, LE12 8WD, and meet in the sports hall.

Please note: The College is on Ministry of Defence property and, for security reasons, it is not possible to gain access to the fencing club without having made prior contact with the Club. See the contacts page for more information.
Please do not contact the College about fencing.

What do I need to wear?
The club provides basic fencing equipment. What you will need to wear are, T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms(shorts are not acceptable on saftey grounds) and gym shoes/trainers.

How does the club operate?
The weekly sessions are under the control of qualified coaches and fencing only takes place in their presence. Safety rules are strictly applied. The Club has five qualified coaches who between them cover all three weapons, Foil, Epee & Sabre. Lessons are primarily of a group rather than an individual nature. A variety of group and individual lessons take place each week and fencers are free merely to fence if that is their preference. The Club is primarily foil with an increasing interest in epee and sabre.

What does it cost? - People who have fenced before.
The fees for Club members are paid at the start of each of the three terms, September, January and Easter. The actual amount varies with the number of weeks in the term and whether the fencer needs to use the Club's equipment. Members pay for the full term in advance regardless of the number of sessions that they attend. For people using the Club's equipment this fee equates to a weekly payments of £6.50 for an adult and £5.50 for a child. Fencers with their own equipment pay the weekly equivalent of £4.50 for adults and £4.00 for children. In September (or on joining) an annual membership fee of £10 adults, £5 children is also payable.

The only exception to taking out membership is in the case of bona fide members of another club. These must provide all of their own equipment and weapons (if you need to borrow Woodhouse Eaves kit you have to be a member) and evidence membership of BFA/England Fencing. Visitors will be charged a weekly fee of £6.50.

Additionally, for insurance reasons, following the initial introduction period of 6 weeks, the Club requires all members to join our sports national body, England Fencing, which is part of The British Fencing Association. This is currently £20 for adults and juniors aged 14-18, £14.00 for under 14's. The cost varies with age and the category of membership, further information will be supplied towards the end of the beginners course.

What does it cost? - People who wish to try fencing.

The first session is free to all those who have not previously fenced at the club, during this session we cover safety, basis fencing moves and give the opportunity to try out these skills against an opponent. Should you wish to continue it is then necessary to sign up for a six-week beginners course which will cost £50 adults, £35 children. Those reaching the required standard will receive a grade one badge and proficiency certificate.

Those wishing to continue after completing a beginners course will be charged a fee based on the remaining weeks in the term (see above for rates). You will also be required to pay an annual membership fee and take out British Fencing Association membership as detailed above under "What does it cost? - People who have fenced before".

See the separate page entitled "Try Fencing"


Taster sessions

Adults - A free taster session will take place on Thursday 19th January 2012 followed by a beginners course lasting 6 weeks commencing the following week, cost £50.
To participate in this taster session you must contact us no later than 10th Jan.

Juniors - A free taster session will take place on Wednesday 18th January 2012 followed by a beginners course lasting 6 weeks commencing the following week, cost £35.
To participate in this taster session you must contact us no later than 10th Jan. Applies to 13 - 18 years only.
Places are limited by equipment availability, please email for more details.

So you want to try fencing or require further information?


Fenced before and have your own kit.

It is not possible just to turn up, unannounced, and get into the College site. If you want to come and fence at Woodhouse Eaves please go to the "contacts" page and follow the instructions. Around school holiday times we would also recommend that you 'phone first and check that we are open.