Milwaukee Turner's Fencing - "Fechten"
NEW SESSION OF INTRODUCTORY CLASSES STARTS IN JUNE!
About the class:
Fencing through the Milwaukee Turners continues a tradition started with the first Turners in the 19th Century. A large portion of the athletic activity of the original Turners was martially based. The Turners hoped to use this to oppose the invading French forces of Napoleon. After the Turners came to the United States they continued this tradition of martialism in their athletic endeavors. This was due in part to the recognition that martial arts inherently combine several aspects of a humans being, which better fit their goal of a 'Sound Mind in a Sound Body' than simple exercise alone. The Turners used this martial training to help train US regiments and even served as body guards for Lincoln during the Civil War.
While most fencing is now practiced as a sport, the Milwaukee Turners have preserved their martial heritage in the fencing they offer.
Through a partnership with the Classical Fencing Society (CFS), the Milwaukee Turners offers Traditional Fencing as a martial art. Students begin their training learning about their bodies and how to move them efficiently in a defensive manner. This training includes footwork drills, ballet exercises, stretching and strengthening drills. Once the students have developed a degree of grace through their training in movement, they begin to learn how to manipulate the sword. The CFS curriculum starts students off with the French foil; the traditional practice tool for training the fundamentals of fencing.
Training begins in an initial four week session. During this time the student begins the initial physical training of their bodies while observing the training of more advanced students to see if Traditional Fencing and the CFS training is for them.
After this four week introduction, if the student decides to continue, he or she is then considered a Novice Fencer. This is when blade manipulation, defense, simple and compound attacks, and ripostes are begun to be trained. This first part of Novice training lasts about eight weeks.
Where the first part of Novice training focuses primarily on movement and fundamental blade techniques, the second part adds advanced techniques and a greater emphasis on the timing of actions.
Toward the end of the second Novice training instructors will assess a students progress. If it is determined that he or she is capable of disciplined, self-motivated study, and has mastered the basic techniques of the Novice program, the student will be promoted to Senior member level as well as gain bouting privileges.
DRESS CODE
Beginners and Novices are expected to wear white t-shirts and black (or dark blue) sweat pants and low profile athletic shoes (Converse All Stars, Jazz Character shoes or similar). Shirt tails are to be tucked in. Novices are additionally expected to purchase their own under-arm protectors and gender appropriate protective garments (breast protectors or cups) once full contact training begins.
Under-arm protectors/plastrons are available from around $20. Protective masks and training weapons are provided for beginner and novice training. No additional equipment is needed for the introductory course.
All students must pay an annual registration fee of $25 in addition to class/pass fees.
INTRODUCTORY CLASS -- STARTING FIRST WEEK OF JUNE
Tues OR Thurs 7:00-8:00pm
OR Sat 9am-10am
4 weeks - $40
NOVICE I & II
Mon OR Wed 6pm-8pm, OR Sat 9am-noon
OPEN SALLE -- for senior fencers / by invitation only
Mon & Wed 6pm-8pm, Sat 9am-noon
- Individual Session - $5 floor fee
- Monthly Pass: Unlimited Open Salle sessions - $20
PRIVATE LESSONS: Offered when available during normal salle hours or by appointment.
For further information, contact the instructor. To see Turner Hall on a map, click here.
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