Q. Is fencing safe? A. Statistically, you are more likely to die in a traffic accident on the way to fencing practice than you are to die of a fencing-related injury at practice. There has never been a death caused by a fencing accident in the United States. As with any physical activity, however, there is always the potential for injury. The most common injuries caused by fencing are bruises resulting from "touches," pulled muscles, or trauma to the tendons and ligaments of the ankle, knee, and elbow. Blades will occasionally break, but the use of proper fencing safety equipment helps ensure that serious injury is avoided. Always using proper equipment and performing proper warm-ups, stretches, conditioning, and technique will help keep injuries to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy a lifetime of fencing. Q. Will the fencing you do at BFC be like the fencing I've seen in the movies? A. Yes and no. Like the fencing and swordfighting seen in movies, sport fencing is full of passion, excitement, exhilaration, and chivalry. Learning to fence can help develop the courage, self-confidence, quick-thinking, and physical grace seen in the movies. However, theatrical fencing is just that: theatrical. Fencing in the movies involves large, dramatic, sweeping actions and the thrilling "clang" of sword against sword. Sport fencing, by contrast, uses smaller, quicker actions, and while there is still the frequent sound of clashing blades, the fencer tries to attack his/her opponent, not the opponent's blade. Q. The Olympic fencers I've seen on TV look like Super Athletes. Do I have to be in top physical form to fence? A. As with any kind of intense physical activity, you want to be sure you are medically fit before undertaking such activity. If you have any doubt about your health or your ability safely to participate in fencing, please consult your doctor prior to beginning fencing lessons. However, fencing is a sport that people of varying degrees of physical ability and physical fitness can participate in. In fact, if you're out of shape, fencing is one of the best exercises you can do to get into shape. Fencing involves all the major muscle groups of the body and is a fun way of improving cardio-vascular condition. Q. How old do I have to be to join your club? And how old is "too old" to join? A. BFC's minimum age is 10 years old. We have no maximum age. There are fencers in their 90's or more, so as long as you are physically able to fence safely, you are welcome at BFC. Q. I noticed that BFC meets at a church. Does BFC have any religious affiliation? A. No. The Butte Evangelical Free Church has graciously offered us the use of their facilities for our lessons and practices, but we are in no way affiliated with them or any other religious institution. Q. OK. I think I might be interested, but I'm still not sure if fencing's for me. May I watch a BFC lesson or open practice? A. Absolutely! Bring a friend, parent, and sibling, too. Our lessons and open practices are always open to the public, at no charge. Q. Wow, that looks fun! I'm ready to try fencing for myself. How do I start? A. You start by showing up at any of our scheduled lesson times (usually Fridays at 3:30). You will be asked to fill out a BFC membership form and sign a liability waiver (this waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian for fencers under 18 years of age). Your first six lessons or practices are only $1.00 each day you come, so you can see whether fencing is for you before investing in a BFC membership. Q. What do I need to bring to my first lesson, and what should I wear? A. You do not need to bring any special equipment. Wear sturdy, closed-toe, non-marking athletic shoes, pants that are close-fitting but allow for easy movement, and a T-shirt. BFC will provide you with the use of a club mask, glove, jacket, and weapon for free during your six week trial membership. After that, if you decide to become a member of BFC, you may continue to use club equipment during lessons and practices for a monthly fee of $5 per month. Q. Do I have to come every week? A. No. Each BFC fencer progresses at his/her own rate according to interest level and personal schedule. The trial membership is good for six sessions, taken when you choose to take them. After that, if you choose to join BFC as a member, you are free to come to as many or as few lessons or practices as you wish. Please note that a Monthly Membership fee will be assessed for any month in which a member attends even one lesson, practice, or tournament. BFC members with 6-Month or Annual memberships will not be refunded for weeks not attended. Q. I'm hooked! How much does it cost to join BFC as a member? A. The long complicated explanation is here, but the short version is: Individual Monthly Membership: $10/month Individual 6-Month Membership: $55 Individual Annual Membership: $100/year Family Monthly Membership: $15/month Family 6-Month Membership: $82.50 Family Annual Membership: $150/year Q. Do I have to buy my own equipment? A. No, club equipment is available to BFC members during lessons and practices for a fee of $5 per month. However, we urge those members who plan to continue fencing to purchase their own equipment eventually. The advantages of having your own gear are that you can take it home to practice with during the week (BFC equipment cannot leave the building), you can get a more personalized fit, and you won't have to worry about anyone else sweating in your mask! Q. How much would it cost to buy my own equipment? A. A basic starter set, which includes a mask, jacket, glove, and weapon can be purchased for under $100. Q. Where can I buy fencing equipment? A. There are a number of vendors who sell fencing equipment. For a list of several good merchants, check out the Links page. Merchants are listed at the bottom. Q. I've been fencing for awhile now and am intersted in competing. Are there any tournaments I can compete in? A. Yes! For a list of upcoming local tournaments, please see our tournaments section at the bottom of the Schedule page. For additional tournaments, go to http://askfred.net. Q. Great! I've found a tournament I'd like to go to. Do I have to be a member of the USFA to compete? A. Probably. All USFA-sanctioned tournaments require competitors to be members in good standing of the USFA. However, there are a few intramural, informal competitions held locally just for fun. No USFA rankings are awarded at these "for fun" tournaments. Since these are not USFA-sanctioned events, membership in the USFA is not required. If you have questions to put on our FAQ, email our contact... whose information is on the "contact us" page.