Howardian Sword Club: Club

There is room at the Howardian for all levels of ability, from the complete novice to the most skilful technician. There are classes for juniors and adults.
At all levels, fencing is fun, it's sociable, and it will help to keep you fit.
If your're a beginner, you'll get a warm welcome and expert coaching at the Howardian.
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When you become more experienced, you'll have the opportunity to duel with fencers who will test your new skills to the limit.

Please note that class size is limited. Novices are normally enrolled in September and January. (See below for details.) At other times, prospective members should inquire whether places are available (see the Contact page).

The club meets in the gymnasium at the Howardian Community Centre, Hammond Way, off Colchester Avenue, on the east of Cardiff, on Tuesday evenings. The gymnasium in one of very few venues in Wales marked out properly with fencing pistes.

Equipment, including foils, masks, and protective clothing, is provided, but most fencers acquire their own kit in the course of time. There is a Kit Buying Guide under Imperial College in the Websites section on the Resources page. Our coach can provide advice about kit, and club members have plenty of opinions. There is often a discount for those who purchase kit through the club.
Click here for a brief guide to kit and prices.
The club has three sets of electrical scoring equipment.

The basic weapon is the foil, the standard practice weapon. But once you have gained a reasonable level of proficiency, you can also try the sabre and the épée.

You may apply for membership either in person on the first two evenings of the Autumn or Spring sessions (see the Home page for the dates) or by post in advance. Advance applications make it easier for the club to gauge numbers and places.

You need to complete two different forms to become a member of the Howardian Sword Club. You must register with the Howardian Sword Club and with Welsh Fencing.

Note that there are different levels of membership of Welsh Fencing appropriate to different needs. The form for Social Level membership differs from the form for all other levels. You should complete and submit either the Social Level form or the general form, but not both. If you're new to fencing, it is best to opt for the Social Level and upgrade later if you need to. Those applying for a beginner's course should complete the Social Level membership form.

Beginners, please note the special arrangements for beginners' courses outlined below.

Applications for enrolment for beginners' courses starting in September 2006 should be sent as soon as possible to the club coach, Graham Best, at the address printed on the Howardian Sword Club application form.

Both the Howardian Sword Club form and the Welsh Fencing Social Level form should be completed. Note that the fees shown below for beginners' courses include membership of Welsh Fencing at Social level, and therefore include insurance. Ignore the fees shown at the top of the Welsh Fencing application form, and ignore the instruction to send it with a cheque to British Fencing. This form, and the Howardian Sword Club form, should both be submitted to Graham Best. Please make cheques payable to "Howardian Sword Club" and submit with your application forms.

Experienced members pay their insurance annually to British Fencing at a rate appropriate to their needs, and contribute their club fees at an ad hoc rate of £3 per class for seniors, and £2 per class for juniors.

Practice Foil: £25
Mask: £50
One fencing glove: £25
Jacket: £60
Breeches: £50 (essential if you fence using electric scoring equipment)
Socks: £10 (essential if you fence using electric scoring equipment)
Shoes: £50 (but you can buy adequate footwear more cheaply in the high street)
Bag for carrying equipment: £30 (for a basic guitar-shaped bag)

For competitive fencing, some of the equipment must have a higher rating and costs more.

Note: Use of the sabre with electric equipment requires a specific type of mask and lame jacket.

The Club can supply leisurewear embroidered with the Club logo (illustrated here on a Polo shirt). Prices are very approximate: supplier prices vary from time to time.

T-shirt: £6

T-shirt (long sleeves): £7

Polo shirt: £10

Sweat shirt: £14

Hoodie: £15

Hoodie (zippered): £18