Where do we meet?

We meet on the courthouse square in downtown Bloomington.
107 N College Ave Suite 001
This is directly under the Bloomington Sandwich Company on the west side of the square.

What exactly is fencing?

Bloomington Fencing Club does Olympic-style sport fencing as governed by the USFA. There are three weapons: epee, saber, and foil. This is not a self-defense or re-enactment, it is a modern sport with electronic scoring. It is a sport that people of all ages and body-types can participate in.

Do I need fencing experience?

No, we offer introductory classes. You can start any time. BFC provides all of the equipment for the class. You just need athletic shoes and sweat pants (or equivalent to cover your legs).

How old do I need to be to fence?

Bloomington Fencing Club sets a minimum age of 10 years old for our classes. Fencing is a complex sport that demands a high level of attention, coordination and emotional development. We feel that for a child to get the best use of class time, they should be at least 10 years old. This is the age at which they have developed the physical and emotional maturity to participate in fencing as a sport.

Bloomington Fencing has no maximum age. We encourage adults of any age to give fencing a try. We even have club members who are active in the Veteran's national competitive circuit for fencers over 40 years old.

Is it safe?

Fencing is a very safe sport, and we at BFC take safety very seriously. The club provides protective equipment to all members, and the club armorer routinely tests everything to insure that they are still in good working order. We also teach all new members how to behave and fence in a safe manner to ensure that the club environment is accident free.

How much does club membership cost?

Club dues are $30 a month or $300 a year if paid for the entire year in advance.

USFA membership is required to compete in tournaments, and is recommended for anyone who is going to be participating in the sport long term. The cost is $60 for the year.

Our $50 introductory class is 4 sessions and is includes 1 month of club membership.

Saber and Epee classes are $80 for an 8 week class. We offer fundamental skills courses and competitive tactical courses.

Private lessons are $15 for a 20 minute session. Lessons are arranged by appointment between the fencer and coach.

Floor fees for non-members are $5 per club meeting.

What is USFA membership?

The USFA is the organizing body for fencing in the US. USFA membership includes a magazine subscription, coupons for equipment vendors, and a membership card that allows you to compete in tournaments all over the country. Check the USFA link to learn more about it.

I am just starting. Aren't tournaments for experienced fencers?

There are a wide variety of tournaments in the region. Many tournaments are specifically run to introduce newer fencers to competitions. No one is required to compete in these events, but many people enjoy the opportunity to try and apply what they learn at club in a competitive environment against people they do not regularly fence with. The instructors travel to most of the tournaments in the region and provide coaching and support for all club members.

I have never done sports before and am out of shape. Will people think I look foolish and laugh at me?

The main goal of the instructors at BFC is to insure that the club provides a safe and comfortable environment for people of all abilities and experience levels to enjoy fencing. Everyone who takes the class starts at the very beginning and the instructors work with them according to the pace set by the fencer. Since fencing has significant mental as well as physical components, you can experience success at any age and body type. Fencing is truly a sport for everyone at any age.

Is is expensive?

Bloomington Fencing Club provides all of the fencing equipment needed for the class and for club members. There is no need to purchase your own equipment, but most people start to slowly acquire their own gear once they join the club. To purchase all of your own equipment will cost a few hundred dollars. We encourage you to consult our armorer before you buy gear.