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

- Foil skills

- Epee skills

Level II

Level III

Level IV

Level V

Level I: "Yellow Band"

At this stage, fencers are assumed to have little or no skills for beginning foil. However,beginning epee and saber will assume that the student has had training in beginning foil.
All technique and tactical concepts are kept very simple. Attacks and defenses will typically be kept to the high lines (with the exception of Epee).
Preparatory techniques will be introduced here in a limited format so as to focus on the execution of the attack.
Students will be able to keep distance and execute the attack at the appropriate distance and tempo.
Students will learn right of way (foil & saber) and the general rules of the game.
Students are introduced to bouting and competing with the standard weapon.
Students will learn the basics of standard weapon and protective gear maintenance.
Students are expected to achieve only a basic level in each of the skills.