ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

The SOUTHERN OREGON FENCING CENTER is closing the Benson Way location. The salle will close 19 Jun. A new, permanent location has to be established, but fencing will continue through the summer at Rogue Community College, Medford campus, for which registration is available online at www.roguecc.edu under their continuing education program. We plan to continue in the fall with RCC while we develop a new, permanent home. We will keep members apprised of developments and update site information as it becomes available.

The Southern Oregon Fencing Center is open to all men, women, girls and boys who are interested in learning the sport of fencing and improving their skill levels.  We are a community of fencers dedicated to working together to learn and play this fascinating martial art.  New members of all ages, including absolute beginners, are welcomed and will receive classical training and assistance from our internationally certified instructors and our more experienced fencers.

Our traditional salle d'armes, features a 1700 square-foot spring-mounted maple floor.   We offer foil, epee and saber classes Monday through Thursday, afternoons and evenings and Saturday mornings (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Tuesday 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)  Classes in electric saber and epee are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7-8:00 p.m., respectively.  Guest fencers are always welcome Monday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m.. 

RECREATION AND COMPETITION

Competition in our salle carries the original meaning from ancient Greece, when the word meant “striving together.”  We strive together collaboratively to raise one another’s level of excellence and, in doing so, to improve our own.

Our main emphasis is on fencing for recreation, for fitness, and for the joy of playing the game.  We also train those who are interested in tournament fencing or becoming qualified teachers of the sport, and receiving certification appropriate to their abilities.  We host intramural and regional tournaments for different age and skill groups, and several of our fencers compete in league tournaments.  We are affiliated with both the American Fencing League (AFL), which sponsors classical non-electric tournaments, and the United States Fencing Association (USFA), which specializes in electric competitions.

FENCING AS A WAY OF LIFE

Fencing is an ancient art and modern sport; its traditions reflect important lessons of life.  To participate in modern fencing is to take part in history.

The late Italian Champion Aldo Nadi was referred to as “the living sword” after he won several World and Olympic gold medals, followed by a professional career in which he fought and won 56 consecutive matches against the world’s greatest fencers.  His teaching is part of our shared history.

Program Director Maestro John McDougall studied with Aldo Nadi and is our direct link with the unique fencing system taught by Maestro Nadi. 

The Salle d’Armes, or fencing studio, is usually referred to as “the salle” by fencers (pronounced "sal" as in "Sally").  The salle is more than a physical space in which to play our exciting sport.  It is a space for mutual respect and personal growth and a safe place for learning.

FUN AND FITNESS FOR MIND AND BODY

The sport of fencing has been aptly described as “chess at 1,000 miles per hour.”  The goal in fencing is to touch one’s partner while avoiding being touched.  Notice the word “touch”:  we are not out to whack, smack, stab or hew our opponent down, but rather to integrate deft physical movement with mental discipline and strategic thinking.

Fencing provides quality aerobic exercise in a mentally stimulating environment.  Our spring-mounted hardwood floor facilitates low-impact physical conditioning for both large and fine muscle groups.

The foil, the predominant sword used at Southern Oregon Fencing Center LLC, is the perfect equalizer.  There is no need for size or weight classifications in fencing.  Our active fencers range from age eight to over seventy.   Until recently, the flag of each country was carried in the Olympic Games opening ceremony by each team’s oldest athlete.  This practice was ended after athletes in other sports complained that fencers invariably carried the flag.  Nevertheless, 2004 Olympic women’s saber gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, from Tigard, Oregon, was just 19 years old.

Children and adults who tell us "I've been thinking about learning fencing" or "I've always wanted to fence" or "I've always been interested in swordplay"  (or variations on these themes) make wonderful fencers.  If you've been thinking about fencing, come check it out. It is more fascinating than you can imagine!

FENCING SESSIONS

Fencing classes and sessions are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings and Saturday afternoons.  (Salle membership includes participation in two 45-minute group classes each week, as well as open access to sparring and bouting sessions available to all members who have completed introductory classes.  Sparring and bouting sessions are also open to guest fencers.  Please call us if you would like to attend.   

We recommend that fencers attend two classes each week, as progress will be at least three times faster than with once per week attendance.  Enthusiasm and progress are directly connected and reciprocal!

Individual lessons are the classical way to teach and to learn sword play and are available by arrangement with the instructors. 

GETTING STARTED

To start fencing, call the Southern Oregon Fencing Center at (541) 488-7648, Steve Wesche at (541) 292-0890, or John McDougall at (541) 535-3969.  Children in the 8 to 9-year range are usually ready for fencing.  Our oldest member is 73, but that is not a limit!  Parent/child participation works well in our group and we currently have about a dozen parents attending with one or more children.

We enjoy describing and answering questions about our favorite sport for prospective new fencers and parents.  We suggest that you call us at one of the above listed numbers for information, or e-mail us at mcdoog@ccountry.net for a brochure and current schedule.

ART COLLECTION:

Our unique collection of fencing visual art (over 200 pieces on display) depicts many of the greatest fencers and Masters of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as outstanding antique and modern posters and photographs.  The art collection alone is worth a visit! 

LET'S FENCE!