For a detailed practice schedule, please click here.

Youth Programs

For information on our youth programs (suitable for ages 7 - 12ish), please click here

Introduction to Fencing Program (White and Yellow)

Our Introduction to Fencing Program runs from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday evenings. This program (for individuals aged 12 years and older) offers an introduction to foil fencing for those who are new to the sport, and an opportunity for those who have previously fenced to revisit and refine skills, while also developing new technical and tactical skills.  During these classes, suitably qualified fencers will be encouraged to test for their white and yellow armbands.

Participants will receive instruction from NCCP trained instructors in small group classes which maintain a high instructor/student ratio (typically around 1 instructor for every 5-6 students). Westdale Fencing Club will also provide the necessary fencing equipment that is required for the duration of the program - all you need to bring is appropriate clothing (including long trousers) and a water bottle.

Dues for the Introduction to Fencing program are $140 per month, and you will also need to purchase club, provincial and national memberships each year.  Please note that refunds are not offered for missed classes, nor are we able to offer make-up classes.

For more information, or to reserve a spot on the next class, please visit here or contact info@westdalefencing.com

Pre-Competitive  (Yellow and Orange) Program

This program is offered to fencers who have completed at least 8 intro classes (subject to a coach's recommendation), or to our youth members by invitation. Fencers will consolidate skills to which they were introduced in the intro and youth programs, and will further develop their technical and tactical skills.  This program will introduce the fencers to more of our coaches and senior fencers. Fencers are strongly encouraged to participate in a few local competitions to help perfect their technical and tactical skills. Fencers in this program will also be encouraged to be tested for their yellow arm bands when they are ready.  As fencers progress through this program they will be invited to move to the Competitive program.

"Adult" members: Monday & Thursday evenings

"Youth" members: Saturday morning & Thursday evenings

Competitive (Orange and Green) Program

Our competitive program is geared towards fencers who are motivated to improve their technical skills and/or are interested in becoming more competitive on the provincial circuit. Classes run on Monday nights, and will include footwork, conditioning, technical drills, and free fencing time. Fencers in this program are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Wednesday or Thursday night classes each week (at no extra charge, subject to space availability). Members of the competitive program are expected to purchase their own equipment, and should expect occasional travel to tournaments which are a little further afield. As fencers reach appropriate levels of experience and technique, they will be encourage to test for their 'orange' and 'green' armbands.

Elite (Green and Blue) Program

The elite program is geared towards highly motivated fencers who wish to become competitive on the national circuit. Formal classes for the elite program run on Monday and Thursday nights.

The elite program differs from the ‘competitive’ program in that whilst there are some structured drills, footwork and themed bouting offered from time to time, there is also an emphasis on self-directed learning, and on physical conditioning. Members of the elite program are expected to maintain a regular competition schedule, which will involve travel outside Ontario. There is scope for members of the elite program to work towards their blue and red armbands. This program includes weekly individual or group lessons with the coaching staff, coaching support at designated tournaments, and assistance with long term development plans. Members of the Elite Program are strongly encouraged to participate in coaching clinics and other development opportunities offered, and are expected to help support the development of less experienced athletes.

High Performance (Blue and Red) Program

The HP program is geared towards fencers who wish to compete at the national squad level or beyond, or who are prepared to invest heavily in their fencing development. Programs are highly individualised, and there is an expectation that members of the HP program will put in significant additional training outside of practices. There is also the expectation that members of this program will assist with club activities such as coaching clinics, tournaments and training camps, and that they will serve as ‘mentor athletes’ for our less experienced fencers.

In addition to regular individual and group lessons as deemed appropriate by the coaching staff, the HP program provides significant support outside of practices, including coaching support at designated tournaments, annual plans, assistance with funding, and scholarship applications, and monthly performance reporting to NSO / PSO representatives as required.  

Please note that entry to the competitive, elite and HP programs is by invitation only. All COMP, ELITE and HP members are expected to maintain accurate and up-to-date training logs (which include competition reports).