Frequently Asked Questions

Gear Up!

Fencing Equipment Most fencers consider their first fencing gear to be the sweat clothes and athletic shoes that they dress in for their initial lesson. Some of this equipment is borrowed from the club, and some is purchased by the fencer. The USFA requires that all fencers participating in tournaments wear regulation garments: masks, gloves, jackets, chest plates, plastrons, and knickers. While most clubs require students to provide their own gear, in the interest of making fencing affordable for all students, Lincoln Fencing Club provides jackets, masks, chest plates, plastrons, and weapons for students. Gloves are also available, although most students purchase their own. Knickers are not required to participate in classes at LFC; however, there are some available for students’ use.

Although injuries are uncommon in fencing—due in part to protective gear required by the sport—they do occasionally happen. If a student is not using knickers, LFC requires that durable long pants should be worn to all classes and lessons. Athletic wear like sweatpants and lined nylon warm-up pants are recommended; jeans or denim pants are discouraged because they do not allow freedom of movement. Socks must be worn, preferably athletic socks. Court-style athletic shoes are preferred. No slip-on shoes, sandals, or open-toed shoes are allowed. If a student is not wearing proper footwear, long pants, or socks and is injured during practice, class, or a lesson, LFC cannot be held responsible. Please make sure to wear appropriate clothing to class, practice, and lessons to minimize the chance of injury.

A natural question, then, is what to purchase when starting to build your personal cache. LFC offers the following advice in response to this inquiry:

Fencing. That's that thing you see in Zorro, right?

Not really. That is stage combat. Every move is carefully choreographed and rehearsed. It looks wonderful on the screen, but it isn't how people fought in the past, and it isn't how fencing works now. Though there are days we wish we had a chandelier to swing from, just because it would be cool.

So, what IS fencing?

Fencing is a sport. Born in the days of blood combat, it is now a sport with rules, scoring methods, and special equipment.

The sport of fencing is fast and athletic, a far cry from the choreographed bouts you see on film or on the stage. Instead of swinging from a chandelier or leaping from balconies, you will see two fencers performing an intense dance on a 6-feet by 44-feet strip. The movement is so fast the touches are scored electrically—a lot more like Star Wars than Errol Flynn.

Why Fencing?

We've all seen it happen; heck we all do it. After a long day of grinding out projects or tasks at work, we often end up sitting in front of the "boob tube" or hopping on the computer to surf the net or play a few minutes (right) of World of Warcraft or some other game.

It is especially easy for children to get caught up in sitting in front of the TV or playing computer or console games. It may seem like a struggle to tear your child away from the technology that is so available and ready for them. If you want to make sure your child is receiving a well-rounded childhood and setting the pattern for future good health habits, then getting them to play sports is something you should do.

Sounds expensive. Can I afford to try it?

It can be, and yes, you can afford it. Equipment prices vary depending on what you want, what quality, etc. Many fencers choose to purchase their own equipment. However, LFC has equipment for use to its members. You can show up and suit up.

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Our Location

27th & O Streets

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln Fencing Club I 2645 O St, Suite B I Lincoln, Ne 68510 I 402-420-7688 I webmaster@lincolnfencing.com
Billing Address: LFC I PO Box 80412 I Lincoln, Ne 68501-0412