Damocles Fencer Development Programs
In line with the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) Athlete Development model, our programs provide a progression of skill development that recognizes the changing abilities of individuals as they develop physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. Our programs aim to support the refinement of fencing-specific skills and help our participants become confident individuals who continue to enjoy fencing and stay active for life.
Minimum age to start: 7 years old NOTE: There is no upper age limit, Adult are welcome.
Introduction PROGRAM: This ten week program introduces participants to basic fencing skills and the logic of fencing and includes a variety of activities to develop agility, balance & coordination. Participants are encouraged to work both independently and cooperatively in the group.
Equipment Requirements: All fencing equipment is provided by the club.
Training Frequency: 1 fencing session (60-75 min.) per week. Participate daily in a variety of physical activities.
Competition Frequency: 1 novice tournament (age specific beginners only) depending on interest & readiness of fencer.
Beginners Program: For participants who have completed a introduction Youth program, the beginners program develops increasing control of basic fencing techniques (yellow level), an understanding of the tactical game including refereeing knowledge and aims to build agility, balance & coordination, improve core body strength, and foster good sportsmanship behaviors.
Equipment Requirements: Personal fencing glove and mask.
Training Frequency: 1-2 fencing session (75 min.) per week. Participate daily in a variety of other physical activities.
Competition Frequency: 1 novice tournament (age specific only) and 1 or 2 other local development competitions.
Intermediate Program: For fencers who have completed the yellow level technical skills, the Intermediate program begins to build good sport training habits, increases the fencing-specific technical/tactical repertoire (orange level) and refines fundamental movement skills with improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility & speed. At this stage, participants are expected to warm-up and cool down independently and are encouraged to enter local tournaments (within their age group) to meet fencers from other clubs, experience different fencing styles and test out their own skills. At the end of this stage, fencers have sufficient skill to enjoy fencing recreationally.
Equipment Requirements: Glove, mask, sous-plastron, electric weapon & body cord
Training Frequency: 2 fencing sessions (130-150 min.) per week. Participate daily in a variety of physical activities .
Competition Frequency: 3-6 development competitions over eight month season depending on fencer's interest
Elite EPEE Program: For participants who want to pursue competitive success at the national level, this program involves intensive training to reach optimal fitness and to perform refined skills under competitive pressure. The yearly training and competition plan demands commitment from the fencer within a training group, family support and additional financial contribution for travel & equipment. Level 4 fencers are encouraged to join the provincial high performance program.
Equipment Requirements: All personal equipment with 3 electric weapons & FIE (international) standard mask & clothing
Training Frequency: 3-4 fencing sessions with key training partners (5-8 hrs) per week. 20-40 private lessons per season. 3 physical conditioning sessions per week, mental preparation program
Competition Frequency: 8-14 competitions over a nine month season of which 2 are performance competitions
"Sport for Life" Recreational Fencing: For members who have achieved a good level of technical control and are able to train independently, they are welcome to participate in open bouting sessions or as sparring partners during instructional programs.