For a detailed practice schedule, please click here.

Intro Program

The introductory program includes 10 hours of instruction and full equipment for the duration of the course (all we require is you wear comfortable pants, shoes and a t-shirt, and bring a water bottle).

The content of the introductory course is as follows:

1. Basic Theory (rules, equipment, history)

2. Fencing Safety & Etiquette

3. Basic Footwork

4. Basic Parries

5. Basic Attacks

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

Youth Programs

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

Recreational (White and Yellow) Program (REC)

Our recreational program runs on Wednesday nights. This program is open to anyone who has successfully completed an Intro class, and builds on the initial skills that are taught as part of these classes. During these classes, suitably qualified fencers will be encouraged to test for their white and yellow armbands.

Intermediate (Orange) Program (INT)

Our "Intermediate" program is centred around the Orange Armband syllabus, and also runs on Wednesday nights. Fencers will refine skills to which they were introduced during the INTRO and REC programs, and will further develop their technical and tactical skills. Fencers in the intermediate program are strongly encouraged to participate in a few local competitions to help perfect their technique, and put their skills into practice with some new faces.

Competitive (Green) Program (COMP)

Our competitive program is geared towards recreational and intermediate fencers who wish to improve their technical skills and become 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 night recreational 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 'green' armbands.

Elite Program (ELITE)

The elite program is geared towards fencers who wish to become competitive on the national circuit. Formal classes for the elite program run on Wednesday nights, and Monday 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 one of the coaching staff, and coaching support at designated tournaments. 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 (HP)

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 elite 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).