Fencing appeals to you, but something keeps holding you back? The things we hear most often are: “I've never fenced,” “I don't have any equipment” and “Won't it hurt?”. The good news is that none of this matters at your first lesson. In this article we describe what such a lesson looks like at our academy and how to prepare for it.
You don't need any experience
Most people who come to a first lesson have never held an épée. You don't need an athlete's fitness or any previous experience. The coach adapts the pace and content of the lesson to you, whether you are twenty or fifty.
We lend you the equipment
Fencing equipment is included in the price of the lesson. You get a mask, protective clothing, a glove and an épée, and the coach shows you how to put everything on correctly. You don't need to buy your own gear. If fencing grabs you, we will advise you what to buy once it makes sense.
What to bring
- comfortable sportswear,
- indoor shoes with light-coloured soles,
- a bottle of water.
That's all you need.
How the lesson goes
An individual lesson lasts 60 minutes and is led by one coach just for you (or for the two of you if you come as a pair). It usually looks like this:
- Basics: the correct fencing stance, holding the weapon and moving forwards and backwards.
- Technique: your first attacks and parries, which you try out on the coach straight away.
- Tactics: a few simple tips on how to think during a bout.
- Bout: at the end you fence a safe bout and try out what you have learnt.
Won't it hurt?
A sport épée has no edge and its point is blunt. In a mask and protective clothing a hit feels like a firm tap. We never fence without protective equipment, and at the first lesson the coach sets the pace so that you feel confident.
Alone, as a pair, or in a course?
- An individual lesson is the fastest way to try fencing. You choose the date yourself and the coach focuses only on you.
- A pair lesson is great for couples, friends or parents with adult children. You will also fence against each other.
- A beginners' course is for those who want to come regularly right away and learn in a group.
You can find lesson prices on the individual lessons page and an overview of courses on the home page. All lessons can be taught in English.
How to book a lesson
- Order a lesson via the contact form and pay for it. You can write in the order which coach you would like.
- Choose a date in the online booking system.
- Come to our fencing hall at Bruslařská 1132/10, Prague 15 – Hostivař.
You can also give a lesson as a gift. We will issue a gift voucher with a personal dedication.