Gold Coast Fencing Club
Fencing - What's it all about?
Fencing is fast, explosive and dynamic! Imagine a sport played out with the skill and strategy of an intricate game of chess, but at high speed and intense pressure. While many people think that fencing is a gentlemanly sport, in reality it is very fast. The modern game is very exciting because there are constant changes of direction, and a high level of fitness is required so that you can think under pressure. You can lose a bout in seconds, and armed with a foil, epee or sabre, all you have to rely on is your intelligence and your skill. There's nothing like seeing an opening, making a decision and putting it all on the line to get a point.
Fencing is one of the very few sports that have featured at every modern Olympic Games since 1896. It is practiced in three different forms - foil, epee and sabre. Each of these three disciplines differ substantially in rules and techniques. Both foil and epee require fencers to touch their opponent with the point of their weapon to score, while the entire blade can be used to make a valid hit in sabre competition. Epee is the simplest form of swordplay for the spectator, a fencer can hit any part of the opponent's body, from the tip of the toe to the head. Terms constantly thrown about include advance, en garde, bout, beat, attack, retreat, counter attack, feint, lunge, parry, riposte, thrust, target and defense.
Fencing on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Sport Fencing Club is the only club here on the coast. Established in 1999 by Cathy Hunt (nee Leitch) for newcomers to the sport, Club Coaches now run classes for adults and children, lessons for athletes through to beginners, theatrical fencing workshops, corporate days, parties, etc. The emphasis here is on fun.
We coach children as young as six and our oldest fencer is 84.
The Head Coach, Cathy Hunt is a Commonwealth Championships Silver Medallist (2002), Australian Team Captain and former Australian Champion. Cathy has an NCAS and ACC Level 1 accreditation, a Blue Card and is a local physical education high school teacher. Cathy’s passion for the sport and commitment to the students at the club is obvious from the moment you arrive.
Getting Started
Right from your very first lesson, even if you’ve never fenced before, you will be fencing! The great thing about fencing is that you can begin immediately at any age or fitness level. Our classes cost $12. There’s no membership fee, you just pay for the classes you attend.
All you need to do is call the club to book your class. You can ask any questions you have and tell us when you are coming along for your first lesson.
You don’t need any equipment. All the gear you will need is provided by the club. Just wear some comfortable ‘workout’ clothes and sneakers. You’ll definitely need a water bottle too because you will get nice and sweaty!
What happens in a beginner’s class?
You’ll start with a coach who will individually take you through the skills you need to get started and the equipment you will use. You learn to lunge, parry and riposte with a partner. You’ll get to do some footwork exercises, you’ll learn some exciting new skills and strategy, then it’s on to bouting with your friends and classmates. We play games, run mini-competitions and challenges and have so much fun! Right from your first lesson you will be Fencing! It’s all very social and you’ll have a great time.
Does fencing hurt?
NO! Fencing is not a martial art and we have no moves designed to hurt anyone. This Olympic sport is all about out-smarting and out-skilling you opponent to make a touch on their chest to score a point. All the gear we use is safe and the mask and protective clothing you need to wear is provided for you in your class cost.
Fencing Fitness
- Fencing is great for children because it improves coordination, balance, reflexes, fine and gross motor skills.
- Individual sports can really boost confidence for kids who do not find success in team sports.
- Fencing is a great workout and will improve your fitness while you have a great time.
- Fencing gives you body and your mind a workout.
- The great thing about fencing is that you can begin at any age and fitness level because our classes are adapted for you individually.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in Fencing, if you would like to find out how to get into Fencing Call the club on 0438 345 187 or email us at
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to find out beginners class times and locations and book your lesson.
Remember – Call to book in. Classes cost $12, which includes all the equipment you need. Just bring a water bottle and wear some comfortable ‘workout’ clothes and sneakers.
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