Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any fencing experience to join LUFC?
Not at all, we welcome newcomers to the club. The only requirement the we ask for is that you are a registered student or staff member within the University of Liverpool, but even so, exceptions can be and are made, but please enquire. For beginners and those completely new to the sport, we run a beginners course at the start of each semester, detailed here.
How do I join LUFC?
The easiest way to join LUFC is to attend the Fresher's Fair before the first semester starts. Just find us at our stand and sign up! Beginners enrolling on the beginner course get their introductory session free!
Don't worry should you be unable to attend the Fresher's Fair. Simply contact our communications officer, whose email is at the top of the page, and discuss the matter with them. Just state in your email what level of fencing experience you already have so that you can be placed within the right group for your experience quickly and easily, and he will be happy to help.
Do I need any fencing kit to join?
Nope, you don't need anything. We provide all you need. There is also a new and effective kit loan policy, where you pay a fee and rent the kit for a term, and it is yours to look after for that length of time. All you need to wear is light leg wear (not jeans and preferably not shorts) and trainers. That's it!
How much does it cost to join LUFC?
For new fencers your introductory lesson is FREE! However, only University of Liverpool students or staff members can be members of the club.
For a term in the club it costs £30 if you are borrowing kit, or just £10 if you have your own, payable to our treasurer. If you need AU membership that is £30 pounds per year, which you can pay at reception at the sports hall.
What's the difference between foil, sabre and epée?
The main differences lie in target area and how a hit is scored. In both foil and epée, a hit can only be scored with the point of the weapon. In sabre, a hit can still be scored in this way, but points may also be scored by using the edge of the blade, and as such, it is the only "cutting" weapon. In foil, the torso, neck and groin are the only target area, in sabre, the head, neck, arms and torso are valid scoring area, and in epée, the entirety of the body is valid.
The differences lead to different styles in how a match (or more commonly known as bout) is played. Foil is generally considered the more artistic of the three, with so many ways of hits being scored on the smallest target area of the three, it more often makes for extraordinary watching to the uneducated eye. Epée is often a waiting game, and has it's own set of different tactics, and normally takes the longest of the three to finish. This is due to the whole body being target area, so epéeists are generally more cautious and wait for their opponent to drop their guard. Sabre is the fastest of the three. Bouts are often brutally fast, as opponents try and slash and parry their way to victory up and down the piste. Footwork is especially important here, as this is the only discipline in which running at the opponent (a fléche) is not allowed.
For more information, the following website gives a very basic but accurate description http://www.beazleybritishfencing.com/guide-to-fencing
For any other questions please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact information at the top right.
Not at all, we welcome newcomers to the club. The only requirement the we ask for is that you are a registered student or staff member within the University of Liverpool, but even so, exceptions can be and are made, but please enquire. For beginners and those completely new to the sport, we run a beginners course at the start of each semester, detailed here.
How do I join LUFC?
The easiest way to join LUFC is to attend the Fresher's Fair before the first semester starts. Just find us at our stand and sign up! Beginners enrolling on the beginner course get their introductory session free!
Don't worry should you be unable to attend the Fresher's Fair. Simply contact our communications officer, whose email is at the top of the page, and discuss the matter with them. Just state in your email what level of fencing experience you already have so that you can be placed within the right group for your experience quickly and easily, and he will be happy to help.
Do I need any fencing kit to join?
Nope, you don't need anything. We provide all you need. There is also a new and effective kit loan policy, where you pay a fee and rent the kit for a term, and it is yours to look after for that length of time. All you need to wear is light leg wear (not jeans and preferably not shorts) and trainers. That's it!
How much does it cost to join LUFC?
For new fencers your introductory lesson is FREE! However, only University of Liverpool students or staff members can be members of the club.
For a term in the club it costs £30 if you are borrowing kit, or just £10 if you have your own, payable to our treasurer. If you need AU membership that is £30 pounds per year, which you can pay at reception at the sports hall.
What's the difference between foil, sabre and epée?
The main differences lie in target area and how a hit is scored. In both foil and epée, a hit can only be scored with the point of the weapon. In sabre, a hit can still be scored in this way, but points may also be scored by using the edge of the blade, and as such, it is the only "cutting" weapon. In foil, the torso, neck and groin are the only target area, in sabre, the head, neck, arms and torso are valid scoring area, and in epée, the entirety of the body is valid.
The differences lead to different styles in how a match (or more commonly known as bout) is played. Foil is generally considered the more artistic of the three, with so many ways of hits being scored on the smallest target area of the three, it more often makes for extraordinary watching to the uneducated eye. Epée is often a waiting game, and has it's own set of different tactics, and normally takes the longest of the three to finish. This is due to the whole body being target area, so epéeists are generally more cautious and wait for their opponent to drop their guard. Sabre is the fastest of the three. Bouts are often brutally fast, as opponents try and slash and parry their way to victory up and down the piste. Footwork is especially important here, as this is the only discipline in which running at the opponent (a fléche) is not allowed.
For more information, the following website gives a very basic but accurate description http://www.beazleybritishfencing.com/guide-to-fencing
For any other questions please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact information at the top right.