Beginning classes include a brief introduction to the history of fencing; basic technique and blade work; movement exercises including advances, retreats and lunges; basic offensive and defensive strategy and practice bouting between fencers. Participants will graduate from the class with a formal fencing tournament against their peers. Participants will need a personal fencing glove, which may be purchased at the first class session. All other equipment is provided at no charge.

The class is intended for men and women over 12 years of age with no previous fencing experience.

Classes fill up fast, and are limited to twelve students, so sign up early. If a class is filled, you can add your name to a list in case others drop out. Call the Link Rec Center at 303-987-5400 to register.

Classes meet each Wednesday for 8 weeks from 7:00 - 8:30pm. The schedule for 2010:

Jan 13 - Mar 3
May 5 - Jun 23
Aug 25 - Oct 6

• $55 for district residents
• $69 for non-district residents

Advanced Classes meet each Wednesday for 6 weeks from 7:00 - 8:30pm.

• $45 for district residents
• $59 for non-district residents

Class specializes on fencing skills that are required for the Epee. It is a thrusting weapon that uses the entire body as target area. Emphasis will be on blade and footwork technique, control of distance, progression of targets and epee fencing tactics. Participants are expected to have completed a beginning fencing class and have their own fencing equipment; an electric epee and body cord are recommended, but not necessary.

The class will cover the fundamentals of modern competitive sabre fencing. This is not a class for movie or stage type sword fighting. Training in techniques, drills, exercises and tactics of competitive sabre fencing will be taught. The class is not for the person who is new to fencing; but, for the fencer who has developed a skill in one weapon and wants to learn the sabre or a sabre fencer who want to increase their knowledge of the weapon. The class will be non-electric. Students are expected to have all of their own personal fencing equipment. A limited number of sabres will be available for class use.

The class will cover the fundamentals of modern competitive Foil fencing. Training in techniques, drills, exercises and tactics of competitive Foil fencing will be taught. The class is for the fencer who wants to increase their knowledge of the weapon and competitive fencing. The class will make use of an electric strip. Students are expected to have all of their own electric fencing equipment.