Presidio Fencing Club -- Santa Barbara, California

Mastering Fencing

Mastering Fencing is a comprehensive system for developing junior and senior fencers. It is a curriculum designed by Eric McDonald, head coach of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Fencing and the SLO Highlanders. Each weapon is broken down into five achievement levels. In order to progress through each level, students must first pass a written test on various rules of the sport. Upon passing, they must then demonstrate specific skills and tactics in the setting of a private lesson. Testing for each band is administered quarterly.

It is expected that students will obtain their Red Band in at least one weapon before they fence in USFA competitions and participate in the Junior Olympic Program.

Level I

Level II

Level III

Level IV

- Foil skills

- Epee skills

Level V

Level IV: "Blue Band"

At this stage, fencers are assumed to be able to execute and defeat the compound attack, use second-intention, and to continue after unsuccessful attacks.
Technique and tactical concepts are centered around the secondary attack and defense systems as well as the use of point in line.
Students will be able to control the moment of inertia, abort the attack, adjust the type of the parry depending on the type of attack, and evade the attack.
Students are expected to consistently place in the top 25% at larger USFA or collegiate competitions.
Students will be able to referee pool bouts at any local or regional USFA competition.
Students will be able to troubleshoot weapons and scoring apparatus on the strip.
Students are expected to achieve a high level of proficiency in each of the skills.