So you’ve booked your free trial. You’re curious about fencing. You might be a little nervous — and that’s perfectly normal. Let us walk you through what happens from the moment you first walk in, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Your Free Trial
You arrive at PCYC Aitkenvale. You’re greeted by one of our coaches — Peter, Brody, or another member of the team. They’ll show you around and explain what fencing is all about.
In your first session, you won’t be in full fencing gear — that comes later. You’ll be in your regular workout clothes, learning the foundations: the en garde stance, footwork, advancing, retreating, and the lunge. It sounds simple, and it is. But within minutes, you’ll feel what makes fencing special. You’re not just standing still — you’re moving with purpose, learning the foundations of an Olympic sport.
There’s no pressure. You won’t be thrown into a bout on day one. The trial session is designed to give you a feel for the sport in a safe, supportive environment.
Step 2: The First Few Lessons
If you enjoyed the trial (and most people do), the next step is our beginner course: four sessions for $144.
In your first few lessons, you’ll focus on the fundamentals — footwork, stance, and basic blade work. You’ll be training in your regular clothes during this phase. The emphasis is on building good habits and getting comfortable with how fencing works. Your coaches want to make sure you have a solid foundation before you step into the full uniform.
Step 3: Getting Fitted Up
Around your fourth lesson, once you’ve grasped the basic footwork and sword techniques, you’ll be fitted with the proper fencing gear — jacket, mask, glove, and foil. All provided by the club. This is a really exciting moment. Suddenly you look the part, and the sport starts to feel real. You’ll begin learning proper blade work and, before long, you’ll be fencing your first bouts against other beginners.
Step 4: Your First Bout
There’s a moment in your first real bout when everything clicks. You feint, your opponent reacts, you hit your target — and you feel absolutely brilliant. That feeling keeps people coming back. Fencing is as much a mental sport as a physical one, and that mental engagement is deeply satisfying. It’s you against another person, using skill, strategy, and timing.
Step 5: Regular Training
Once you complete the beginner course, you move into regular training sessions. This is where the real fun begins. You’ll spar with other fencers of similar ability. You’ll learn more advanced techniques. You’ll start to develop your own fencing style.
Some members love the competition pathway — entering tournaments in Queensland and beyond. Others prefer to train for fitness, fun, and community. Both paths are equally welcome.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
- Every session is different. You’ll face different opponents, try different tactics, and learn something new every time.
- Progress is visible. You’ll notice improvements in your speed, your timing, your decision-making — often within weeks.
- The community is wonderful. NQFA is a warm, welcoming club. People encourage each other, celebrate each other’s progress, and genuinely enjoy training together.
Ready to Begin?
Book your free trial at nqfa.com.au/book-free-trial/ or call 0418 693 810.
We train at PCYC Aitkenvale, 126 Wellington Street — Tuesdays 4:30 PM and Fridays 6:00 PM. Your first session is free, and we’d love to have you.
See you on the piste.
