Fencing FAQ
Your questions answered. From first steps to competitive training, we have got you covered.
General
The three Olympic weapons have different scoring rules: Foil targets the torso only, Sabre allows cutting on the head and arms, and Épée targets the entire body. All three teach footwork and strategy, and most beginners start with Foil.
Most beginners start with foil. Its rules, including right of way, teach the timing and decision-making that carry over to all three weapons, and it builds clean technique from the start. There is no wrong first weapon, though: at Fencing Masters beginners try foil, sabre and epee, and we help match you to the one that suits your instincts and temperament.
Yes. Fencing has featured at every modern Olympic Games since 1896, contested in foil, sabre and epee for both individual and team events. Singapore competes regionally and internationally, including at the SEA Games and Asian Games, and fencers who trained at Fencing Masters have represented Singapore and won medals across the three weapons.
Yes. Fencing is a sport for life, with a full competitive pathway for older adults called veteran or masters fencing. Athletes compete from the age of 40, in age bands of 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and over, and the same age of 40 applies to men and women. You can train purely for fitness or work toward veteran competition, whichever you prefer, and plenty of veteran fencers only picked up the blade in their 40s or 50s.
Fees vary by programme, coaching format and training frequency. Enquire with us and we will recommend the right programme, timetable and fee arrangement before you join.
We are at 177 Ubi Avenue 4 #02-00, Singapore 408792. The salle is a 12 minute walk from Ubi MRT (DT27, Downtown Line) or a 15 minute walk from Tai Seng MRT (CC11, Circle Line). If you drive, there is ample parking at Zervex, directly across the road from us.
Benefits & The Research
Research comparing fencers at different levels finds that more experienced fencers have significantly faster reaction times than beginners, with the biggest gap on choice reaction time, the harder task of picking the right response under pressure. A small pilot study using the Vienna Test System also tracked young fencers over a 12-week programme and found measurable, training-induced improvement in choice reaction time. Much of this research compares fencers with non-fencers, so it shows a strong association rather than definitive proof, but the early evidence suggests training helps.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of perceptual anticipation in combat sports found that expert fencers are consistently better than non-experts at anticipating what is coming, picking up cues earlier and more accurately. Other research on attention, attack accuracy and speed found that elite fencers make faster identifications and more effective choices in changing, high-pressure situations. Much of this work compares experts with novices, showing association rather than proof that fencing itself transforms decision-making, but the consistent finding is that the sport trains anticipation and choice under pressure.
Fencing works the whole body, starting with the legs and glutes, which power the en garde stance, the advance and the lunge. The core stabilises the trunk isometrically during lunges and quick recoveries, while the back and shoulders hold posture and support the many small, controlled movements of the blade arm. The forearm and grip build endurance from handling the weapon, and the stop-start rhythm of bouts also trains cardiovascular fitness and agility. It is a full body workout, though not a substitute for targeted strength training.
A broader systematic review found that physical activity and sport in childhood are positively associated with cognitive and emotional development, including attention and executive function, though that finding covers sport in general rather than fencing specifically. A randomised controlled trial in preadolescent fencers looking at a coordination and cognition programme reported improvements in balance, agility and proprioception alongside cognitive measures. The evidence shows association more than proof of direct cause, but it fairly supports fencing as an activity that combines vigorous movement with constant mental engagement, both linked to healthy development.
Fencing itself has not been singled out for study, but there is a substantial evidence base showing that physical exercise, especially cognitively engaging exercise, can improve attention and executive function in children with ADHD, with researchers noting it may act on the same dopamine and norepinephrine systems that stimulant medications target. Fencing fits this description well, since a young fencer must constantly watch, plan, time actions and hold back the wrong impulse. No study has shown that fencing treats ADHD, and it should be seen as a positive, focus-building activity that complements, rather than replaces, a doctor's or professional's guidance.
A study measuring skilled fencers during simulated competition reported an average energy cost of around 10 kilocalories per minute, roughly 8.6 METs, placing fencing in the moderate-to-vigorous range of physical activity, with both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems recruited. Separate research on elite foil fencing published in PLOS One found fencers working at a mean intensity above 80 percent, rising higher in knockout bouts, describing it as interval training in disguise. These studies measured competitive and elite fencers, so a beginner's early sessions are lighter, but the research supports fencing as a legitimate moderate-to-vigorous workout.
Choosing Fencing Masters & Getting Started
Fencing Masters is one of Singapore's earliest private fencing clubs, founded in 1995 by Jeffrey Lopez, who has been coaching since 1975, 51 years. There is no committee, so the coaching has stayed consistent for 31 years.
All three Olympic weapons, foil, sabre and épée, are taught under one roof. The club is an affiliate of Fencing Singapore, every coach is NROC-registered, and former students of Coach Jeffrey now coach and run salles of their own. Read our story, meet the coaches, or see the hall of fame.
Whenever you are ready, and earlier is easier for young competitors. Private lessons start from age 3 and group classes from age 7, so school fencers who begin early have time to build towards the National School Games.
Holiday camps run during the school holidays, each new school term is a natural starting point, and adults can start at any time.
A coach replies with the available times and details for the programme you chose. The Trial & Assessment is 30 minutes with a coach, then you stay for the class that follows, about 2 hours 30 minutes in all. You need no experience and no protective gear. After the trial you decide whether to join; there is no obligation to continue. The full rundown is on our fencing trial class page.
No, the Trial & Assessment is a paid session; the fencing trial class page has the details. If you join within 7 days, your first Open Salle sparring session is on us. Club gear is lent for your first lessons after you join, not for the trial.
Youth Fencing (Ages 7 to 12)
Children can start fencing from age 3 in private lessons. Group classes begin at age 7, and a younger child can join one when their aptitude suits it. Fencing is a sport for all ages. We have beginner programmes for young children, youth academies, and adult classes. There is no upper age limit; we coach fencers into their 90s.
Yes. Modern fencing is one of the safest sports: all equipment is engineered for protection, and body contact is prohibited during bouts. Injuries are rare, usually minor muscle strains, and all Fencing Masters coaches are first-aid trained and CPR certified.
No experience needed, and the trial needs no protective gear. After you join, we lend you the mask, jacket and blade for the first 8 lessons in a group class, on a membership of 8 weeks or longer (on a 4-week membership, the loan covers those 4 weeks), or for the first 10 lessons in private coaching with a 10-lesson pack (the first 5 with a 5-lesson pack or single lessons). Once you're training regularly, most fencers buy their own kit.
Before You Start: Gear & Dropping Off
For your trial, wear sports clothes, loose long trousers (no yoga pants or tight leggings) and closed sports shoes. You do not need any protective gear. Once you are training, we ask every fencer to be in full kit whenever they fence: mask, jacket, a plastron (underarm protector) under the jacket, glove, breeches or long trousers that fully cover the legs, long socks reaching the breeches and closed sports shoes, with a chest protector as well for female fencers. Please ask a coach before borrowing any club equipment, and return it at the end of the session. There are two reasons. First, safety: the gear is engineered to protect you. Second, we train the way we compete, so the kit feels natural on competition day. Our ethos is simple: train like you fight, fight like you train. Read more in Train Like You Fight, and see the fencing trial class page for what to wear on the day.
Not to begin. We lend you the mask, jacket and blade for the first 8 lessons in a group class, on a membership of 8 weeks or longer (on a 4-week membership, the loan covers those 4 weeks), or for the first 10 lessons in private coaching with a 10-lesson pack (the first 5 with a 5-lesson pack or single lessons). Towards the end of that loan your coach helps you choose your own kit, and after it you use your own equipment, for hygiene and because your own gear fits you and feels the same every time. You do not need to buy anything to start. See what to expect when you join.
On the trial evening, parents are welcome to watch the whole session from the side of the piste. Once your child has joined, parents drop off and collect from the first lesson, and you can talk to the coach at collection. Children focus, take instruction and grow in confidence faster without an audience. We explain the thinking in why we ask parents to drop off.
That is completely normal and it almost always settles quickly. The same rule applies at every age: we recommend a warm, brief goodbye at the start of the first lesson, and from that lesson parents drop off and collect. Our coaches are very experienced at welcoming nervous newcomers and getting them smiling with a blade in hand.
You do not need to be fit or athletic to begin. Fencing is a footwork-first sport, so early lessons focus on stance, movement and basic blade work at a pace that suits you, not a fitness test. It welcomes complete beginners of every age and build, from young children to adults in their 90s, and your fitness improves as you train.
Adult Fencing (Ages 16+)
Our fitness-focused adult sessions combine cardio, footwork and strategy with recreational sparring. They are designed for adults 16+ and beginners welcome. You get a full-body workout, sharp mental focus and a welcoming community.
Absolutely. Many adults start fencing for fitness, fun, or competitive challenge. There is no age limit. Fencing is a lifetime sport. You will train alongside peers of all experience levels.
Competitive Fencing
Yes. Our Competitive Edge programme is specifically designed for NSG and regional tournament prep. We coach technique, tactics, fitness and mental resilience. Our track record: fencers who have entered national teams, become national and age-group champions, and earned medals at the SEA Games.
Enquire for an assessment, which is separate from the beginner Trial & Assessment. A coach watches your footwork, blade work and bouts, then recommends a group class or private coaching plan that fits. Tell us your weapon, club, level and results, and roughly when you last fenced. The coach confirms the details when replying. See our page for experienced and returning fencers.
Readiness depends on experience, age, goals and progress. Discuss your situation with a coach, who can explain the options.
There is a full ladder: youth events from Under 8 to Under 14, Cadet (Under 17) and Junior (Under 20), Senior open competition, and Veteran categories from 40 all the way past 70. Ask our coaches which stage suits your level; we prepare fencers for every rung of the ladder.
Schools & SEP
Yes. Fencing Masters establishes and manages fencing CCAs in schools. We provide coaches, curriculum, equipment support and competition pathways. Contact us to discuss your school's needs.
Yes. Fencing Masters is endorsed as a Sports Education Programme (SEP) provider. All our coaches are NROC registered and meet SEP standards. Schools can confidently select Fencing Masters for SEP-funded fencing programmes.
Yes. Fencing is offered as a CCA in a number of Singapore schools and is a recognised Direct School Admission (DSA) sport, so a strong young fencer can use it as a pathway into secondary school or junior college. Fencing Masters runs school fencing programmes and coaches competitive juniors, and we can advise families on preparing for DSA trials.
Corporate & Theatrical
Yes. Fencing is a fast, memorable team-building activity: everyone picks up a blade and communicates under pressure. It is beginner-friendly, fully coached, with all gear provided, for groups from 15 to 200 plus people, at your office or our salle. See corporate team building for formats and group sizes.
Yes. We choreograph stage and screen combat, from period rapier duels to contemporary fights, pairing real Olympic technique with the beats of your story so it reads as genuine and stays safe take after take. We also train your cast from scratch. See theatrical fencing for our services and process.
Ready to pick up a blade? Request your first trial lesson today. No experience or protective gear needed.
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