| Getting Started Information for beginners and newcomers. In the form of a Q&A. |
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Q: What is a Rapier and how is this style different from
modern/collegiate/olympic fencing.
A: Please link over to Fencing Info for an answer to that question.
Q: How old does my child need to be in order to join your classes? Can
he/she join an adult class?
A: Minimum age for our children's classes is currently 13. Though we have
made some exceptions in the past in exceptional cases. Generally children
are not permitted to join adult classes except in cases of previous
experience, large physical size, or extremely high maturity.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Very. Fencing is actually far safer than the average team sport. We
have never had an injury in one of our classes. The greatest threat to
fencer's safety is broken blades, which are extremely rare. All students are
required to wear fencing jackets, masks, throat protection, leather gloves
and long pants to prevent injury in the rare case that a blade does break
and become dangerous. In all likelihood the most a student can expect is a
bruise every now and again and sore forarms/thighs.
Q: Why do you charge money for your classes? Can't I learn this for free
somewhere else?
A: Yes, there are several opportunities to fence for free in the area.
see www.sca.org.
There is also an open practice at Marlboro College.
The reason I charge tuition for my classes is simply that my classes are part
of a fencing school rather than a fencing practice. As such our approach,
and costs are different.
Our tuition goes to the following:
Instructor Compensation: This includes insurance and administrative
overhead. I teach fencing as a part of my living. If i did not get paid for it I
would not be able to teach fencing on the scale that I currently do. I
respect the work of volunteer teachers and the senior students that support
them. However, some weeks I spend upwards of 20 hours commuting,
teaching, maintaining the equipment and doing paperwork due to the size
of my school. At that point it becomes a Job and I need to be paid for it in
order to continue.
Equipment costs: We maintain a stock of several thousand dollars worth of
equipment that are available to all of our students. This equipment requires
maintenance and replacement over time. Each student in a class requires
approx. $500 in equipment. We try to hold as many classes as possible so
that the burden of maintaining that equipment is spread around more
people but it is still a significant expense.
Space costs: Most locations charge money for the use of their space. On
average this accounts for 20% of tuition cost.
Q: How do I sign up for your classes?
A: The best way is to email or call me and talk to me. I will take down your
information and point you to the best class for your experience level,
schedule and location. You can also show up within the first 2 weeks of a
term and sign up on the spot or give our classes a try with no financial
obligation. However, if a class is full priority will be given to pre-registered
students. Students are generally not permitted to join classes once a term
is underway.
Q: How long are classes, when are they held and what are terms?
A: Classes are generally 2 hours each and meet once a week.
Q: Will you start a class at X location?
A: Sure. As a rule I will teach a class anywhere within a one hour drive
from Brookline, Vt. I only require a minimum of 8 students in a class to
hold a class. If you and 7 friends want me to come teach a class for you,
give me a call and we can get started. I also do summer camps, after
school programs and similar activities.
modern/collegiate/olympic fencing.
A: Please link over to Fencing Info for an answer to that question.
Q: How old does my child need to be in order to join your classes? Can
he/she join an adult class?
A: Minimum age for our children's classes is currently 13. Though we have
made some exceptions in the past in exceptional cases. Generally children
are not permitted to join adult classes except in cases of previous
experience, large physical size, or extremely high maturity.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Very. Fencing is actually far safer than the average team sport. We
have never had an injury in one of our classes. The greatest threat to
fencer's safety is broken blades, which are extremely rare. All students are
required to wear fencing jackets, masks, throat protection, leather gloves
and long pants to prevent injury in the rare case that a blade does break
and become dangerous. In all likelihood the most a student can expect is a
bruise every now and again and sore forarms/thighs.
Q: Why do you charge money for your classes? Can't I learn this for free
somewhere else?
A: Yes, there are several opportunities to fence for free in the area.
see www.sca.org.
There is also an open practice at Marlboro College.
The reason I charge tuition for my classes is simply that my classes are part
of a fencing school rather than a fencing practice. As such our approach,
and costs are different.
Our tuition goes to the following:
Instructor Compensation: This includes insurance and administrative
overhead. I teach fencing as a part of my living. If i did not get paid for it I
would not be able to teach fencing on the scale that I currently do. I
respect the work of volunteer teachers and the senior students that support
them. However, some weeks I spend upwards of 20 hours commuting,
teaching, maintaining the equipment and doing paperwork due to the size
of my school. At that point it becomes a Job and I need to be paid for it in
order to continue.
Equipment costs: We maintain a stock of several thousand dollars worth of
equipment that are available to all of our students. This equipment requires
maintenance and replacement over time. Each student in a class requires
approx. $500 in equipment. We try to hold as many classes as possible so
that the burden of maintaining that equipment is spread around more
people but it is still a significant expense.
Space costs: Most locations charge money for the use of their space. On
average this accounts for 20% of tuition cost.
Q: How do I sign up for your classes?
A: The best way is to email or call me and talk to me. I will take down your
information and point you to the best class for your experience level,
schedule and location. You can also show up within the first 2 weeks of a
term and sign up on the spot or give our classes a try with no financial
obligation. However, if a class is full priority will be given to pre-registered
students. Students are generally not permitted to join classes once a term
is underway.
Q: How long are classes, when are they held and what are terms?
A: Classes are generally 2 hours each and meet once a week.
Q: Will you start a class at X location?
A: Sure. As a rule I will teach a class anywhere within a one hour drive
from Brookline, Vt. I only require a minimum of 8 students in a class to
hold a class. If you and 7 friends want me to come teach a class for you,
give me a call and we can get started. I also do summer camps, after
school programs and similar activities.