Can I do sabre fencing?

Q: What is sabre?
A: Sabre fencing is one of the three fencing disciplines, based on Western sword-fighting techniques. The sabre is a light cutting weapon modelled on the straight cavalry sabres of the early 20th century. Sabre fencing is fast, dynamic and highly tactical. It is a great sport for building physical fitness, combat awareness and suitable for all ages from 6 onwards.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: We are happy to take anyone aged 6 and up. We will consider taking children under 6 but may require them to use foam sabres.
There is no upper age limit, and many fencers continue to compete into their 80s and beyond.

Q: Is sabre dangerous?
A: Sabre fencing is very safe, with one of the lowest injury rates of any sport. We use extremely effective protective clothing to prevent injuries caused by the weapons. Unlike other combat sports, there is very little risk of head injuries or concussions, although minor bruising is common.
As with any phsyical activity, there are is always some risk of joint injuries or falls, but this can be reduced by good technique and careful warming up.
If you have any particular concerns relating to a pre-existing medical condition or injury, please contact us for more information.

Learning fencing at Sydney Sabre

Q: I've never done any fencing before and would like to try sabre. What should I do?
A: Contact us and make a booking for an introductory session. This is a one hour group session with one of our instructors to give you a taste of the sport so you can decide if you want to pursue further training with group classes or private lessons.

Q: What should I wear?
A: You should wear comfortable athletic clothing and footwear. Sabre is quite intense exercise and you'll be running around a lot, so wear something lightweight that you can move easily in. Singlets, T-shirts, leggings, trackpants and shorts are all fine. We'd advise against jeans and long-sleeve tops, as you'll get very hot. Shoes need to stay on well and have good grip.

Q: What do I need to bring to my class?
A: It's not a bad idea to bring a towel and a water bottle, as well as a change of clothes. All your sabre equipment will be provided. If you have any fencing gear of your own, feel free to bring it with you.

Q: I tried fencing once years ago, and would like to try sabre at Sydney Sabre. What should I do?
A: Lots of people have tried fencing once or twice at school, at uni, or at a camp. It's up to you if you'd like to do an introductory session or go straight into a group class or private lessons.

Q: I did fencing a while back, but I'm really rusty and don't have any equipment. What should I do?
A: You have a couple of options. You can sign up for group classes or book a private lesson to start brushing up your skills. Alternatively, hire some equipment and fence some bouts to see if you've still got it. We don't place any restrictions on bouting at Sydney Sabre and everyone is welcome.

Q: I'm thinking of buying my own equipment. How much does it cost?
A: Fencing equipment has recently become much more affordable. Our sells a full kit including everything you need to fence at Sydney Sabre for $320. You can buy online at http://shop.sydneysabre.com/featured-products/training-kit.html or visit us in store.

About Sydney Sabre

Q: What is Sydney Sabre Centre?
A: The Sydney Sabre Centre is a specialist commercial training facility for sabre fencing.

Q: Is it a club?
A: Sydney Sabre is a business providing sabre instruction, facilities, hire gear and a retail store. There is also a club which provides support for our athletes at external competitions. Please visit www.sydneysabre.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Q: How do I fence at Sydney Sabre?
A: Simply pay the entry fee of $15 per visit and you are ready to go. If you need equipment, we have gear hire available for $10 per session or you may purchase your own set from our retail store. You may also buy a 10 visit pass, an unlimited visit monthly pass or an unlimited visit annual pass.

Q: Is Sydney Sabre associated with a fencing club or affiliated with the NSW Fencing Association (NSWFA)?
A: Sydney Sabre is not associated with NSWFA or the Australian Fencing Federation (AFF). We have an associated organisation, The Sydney Sabre Club, which is affilated with NSWFA.

Q: Do I need to be a member of NSWFA to fence at Sydney Sabre?
A: No. You do not need to be a member of NSWFA or any other organisation to fence at Sydney Sabre or enter our competitions.

Q: What insurance does Sydney Sabre hold?
A: Sydney Sabre holds an independent sport-specific $20 million public liability policy.

Q: Can I represent Sydney Sabre at state competitions?
A: Yes. You can join The Sydney Sabre Club and represent the club at state and national events. Please visit www.sydneysabre.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Q: I'm an athlete with an existing relationship with a coach. Can I get lessons from my coach at Sydney Sabre?
A: Typically, no. We have limited space which is reserved for our customers and instructors. We can make exceptions for interstate or international visitors who are in Sydney for a short time for competitions. Some coaches have existing arrangements with SSC to coach at our facilities. Please check with your coach to see if this applies.

Q: How do I train at Sydney Sabre? Can I just show up?
A: If you've never fenced before, please make a booking for an introductory session. This is a one-hour group session with one of our instructors to give you a taste of the sport.
If you've done a little bit of fencing before or have completed the intro sesesion, Sydney Sabre offers a structured group class or private lesson program. Please see our classes page for details.
If you're an existing sabre fencer and you just want to come and fence, simply drop in during opening hours. You can hire equipment if you need it, or use your own.
Alternatively, existing foil or epee fencers may book a piste and arrange for training partners to be there. Piste hire is $50 per hour, or $20 per hour for annual pass holders. Everyone using the piste also must pay the entry fee or hold a pass.
All bookings can be made by visiting reception, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 0421 460 713.

Q: I'm a fencer who does foil or epee. Can I train at Sydney Sabre?
A: Yes. While we specialise in sabre and provide sabre-specific instruction to beginners, existing athletes can train foil and epee at Sydney Sabre.
Due to space constraints, foilists and epeeists need to book a piste to train on. Piste bookings may be limited to off-peak times.
Piste bookings cost $50 per hour, or $20 per hour for annual pass holders. All fencers using a booked piste need to pay the entry fee or hold a pass.

Q: Can I start with sabre? I've never done fencing before, but I've heard that you have to start with foil.
A: Yes, you can start with sabre. At Sydney Sabre, we feel that the emphasis on foil as a mandatory introduction to fencing is no longer necessary. The three weapon disciplines have diverged over time to the point where learning one is not necessarily good preparation for the other two.
We have been involved in introducing beginners to the sport for many years, and have found that most people find sabre to be more exciting, more fun, and easier to learn.

Q: Does your shop sell foil and epee equipment?
A: Absolutely. We will sell any fencing eqiuipment you need.
However, we keep only limited stocks of foil and epee specific equipment. We are always happy to handle custom orders, and can usually get your items within two weeks.
Please ask at our reception, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring 0421 460 713 for more information.

Q: What brands do you stock?
A: Sydney Sabre co-designs its own range of European-standard 350N protective equipment, sabres and accessories suitable for use up to and including state-level competitions.
For national and international-grade competitive fencers, SSC stocks Allstar (German), Blaise Freres (French) and Megastar (Russian) products rated to FIE standards.