RIFAC, Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club, Fencing Classes and Camps

Competence in fencing is not possible without a solid understanding of refereeing.

Skill in refereeing allows the student to appreciate how fencing actions are perceived, and to learn the various and complex rules of the sport.

Knowledge of refereeing also makes it much easier to fence at Club Nights, where each participant is expected to referee.

From here, some students continue referee training with RIFAC and officiate at local and national tournaments.

RIFAC's unique Refereeing class gives you just the start to become a proficient referee: a skill you can take as far as you'd like.

Open to all age groups and skill levels.

Have you been through RIFAC's foundation program? Have you learned a lot of technique that you want to put to use? Are you eager to get some time on the strip? Want to spend time with fellow enthusiasts? Are you gearing up for competition?

For fencers age 18 years and older, this 1 1/2-hour electric fencing class for all three weapons offers the adult fencing student an opportunity to train, fence and share experience and knowledge with peers.

Students enrolled in Adult Bouting learn competition warm-up techniques, receive feedback and advice from the coach, develop familiarity with the electric equipment and become confident in their skills.

Having completed a semester of Adult Bouting, students will feel ready to fence at any Club Night or competition.

The last half-hour of class is used for unstructured, free fencing, although the coach is always on-hand to answer questions or provide feedback if requested.

For many Club members, Adult Bouting is the place to socialize, fence and get a solid night's workout.

Knickers are required for Adult Bouting and may be purchased at the RIFACTORY.

The dueling weapon!

Step on the strip and prepare to fence knowing that your whole body is open to attack and that the points will go to the fencer who can hit first.

An epee bout most closely resembles the duel. Fencers use guile, patience and speed to cleverly set traps and ensnare opponents to win bouts.

For fencers age 14 years and older, this class provides an opportunity for epee fencers, and those eager to become epee fencers, to build skill, endurance and tactical know-how in a supportive environment.

Made up of a competition warm-up, strengthening and endurance drills, footwork, bladework and electric fencing, this class focuses on epee fencing for competition.

During electric fencing, the coach provides immediate feedback and advice to hone technical and tactical skills, and structures fencing exercises to promote a complete understanding of the weapon.

We develop and integrate mental skills for competition during the entire class meeting. No previous epee fencing experience is needed to enroll.

The cutting weapon!

In foil and épée fencing, athletes are restricted to hitting with the point.

Descended from the cavalry weapon, sabre fencers still get to use the edge! Swashbucklers at heart, sabre fencers use speed, footwork, cunning and lightening-fast reflexes to outwit, out-maneuver and out-distance opponents in a game that would make Errol Flynn proud!

Open to fencers age 14 years and older, this class produces competitive sabre fencers from the ground up.

Class consists of a competition warm-up, footwork and bladework drills, and lots of electrical fencing with feedback from the coach to improve technique, tactics and effectiveness on the strip. No previous sabre fencing experience is needed to enroll.

For students age 14-17, this 1 1/2-hour class gives teenage fencers a great chance to meet, socialize and train with members of their peer group in a friendly and focused environment.

Fencers in all weapons learn proper competition warm-up and spend most of class time electric fencing with feedback from the coach.

Although classes are composed of both competitive and recreational fencers, we emphasize competitive skills.

Time is reserved at the end of each class for unstructured, free fencing, although the coach is always there to answer questions and provide feedback.

RIFAC coaches and instructors always keep an eye out for students who have a desire to take fencing to another level.

For some fencers, this next level may be local competition, while for others it may be to make the Olympic Team.

When a student has shown maturity, self-motivation, dedication and drive, and is interested in pursuing a competitive career, he or she may be invited to join RIFAC's Pre-Team or National Team.

Made up of athletes 8-18 years of age in all three weapons, the Team meets up to three times per week for a grueling workout of exercise, footwork and competitive fencing.

Members of RIFAC's Team are expected to compete in all appropriate local, national and international tournaments, to adhere to guidelines of behavior and to represent RIFAC positively at all times.

The training is difficult and serious, and members travel all over the country and the world to compete.

However, the rewards of belonging to this very active and well-respected team are also exceptional.

The increased commitment and challenging training regimen may not be suitable for the recreational fencer, but if you are striving for excellence as a competitive fencer, RIFAC's National Team/Pre-Team is the way to get there.

Please contact RIFAC for information if you are interested learning more about the Team, Team results, or current Team members.

(*Requires consent of head coach)

RIFAC : Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club