Classes

Our typical 60 minute classes lead by our USFCA certified coaches.  Classes included warmups, stretches, foot work, blade work and lots of games and fun to help all of our members develop into better athletes.

We follow the West Des Moines community school district’s closings for inclement weather.  We will use contact emails and our FaceBook page and groups to shuttle such information out to our members.

Foil

The foil is a light thrusting weapon. The target areas are the torso, but not the arms or legs. The foil has a small circular hand guard that serves to protect the hand from direct stabs. As the hand is not a valid target in foil, this is primarily for safety. Touches are scored only with the tip.  Touches that land outside the target area (called an off-target touch and signaled by a distinct color on the scoring apparatus) stop the action, but are not scored.

Only a single touch can be awarded to either fencer at the end of a phrase. If both fencers land touches to register two lights on the scoring machine, the referee uses the rules of “right of way” to determine which fencer is awarded the touch, or if an off-target hit has priority over a valid hit, in which case no touch is awarded. If the referee is unable to determine which fencer has right of way, no touch is awarded. A bout is made up of three 3-minute rounds. 

The first to score 15 points or the athlete with the highest score at the of the three rounds wins the bout.


Epee

The épée is a thrusting weapon like the foil, but heavier. In épée, the entire body is a valid target, from mask to shoe. The hand guard on the épée is a large circle that extends towards the pommel, effectively covering the hand, which is a valid target in épée. Much like foil, all hits must only be with the tip of the weapon. Unlike foil and sabre, épée does not use the concept of “right of way”, and awards simultaneous touches to both fencers.

However, if the score is tied in a match at the last point and a double touch is scored, the point is null and void. A bout is made up of three 3-minute rounds. 

The first to score 15 points or the athlete with the highest score at the of the three rounds wins the bout.


Saber

The sabre is a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist, including the arms and mask but excluding the hands. The D-guard on the sabre extends from hilt to the point at which the blade connects to the pommel.

The guard is turned outwards to parry the opponents blade. Hits with the entire blade and point score. Like foil, in the case of both fencers landing a scoring touch, the referee determines which fencer receives the point for the action, again through the use of “right of way”. Because saber actions are so quick, bouts do not have a time limit. 

There is one minute break once one athlete scores 8 points.  The first to score 15 points wins the bout.


Fees + what to expect to pay

Visit out fees page to learn more.