ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

The SOUTHERN OREGON FENCING CENTER currently offers programs in both Ashland and Medford. The Ashland program is under the auspices of the Ashland Family YMCA, 540 YMCA Way, Ashland, 482-9622. The classes are held Tuesday with Maestro John McDougall, 535-3969. The current schedule is as follows:

YOUTH FENCING: Coed, 8-11 Years old or with instructor's approval, 3:15 - 4:00 pm.

JEUNE FILLE FENCING: Girls ages 10 - 12 or with instructor approval, 4:15 - 5:00 pm.

FUNDAMENTALS OF FENCING: Beginning and basic fencers, ages 10 - adult, 5:15 - 6:00 pm.

INTERMEDIATE FENCING: Intermediate and advanced fencers, 6:15 - 7:00 pm.

The Medford Program is through Rogue Community College and is instructed by USFA Coach Ron Kilby. The Fall program runs from 9/30 - 12/10. Beginning Fencing is listed under Community Education, Fitness, on Tuesday and Wednesday,6:00 - 7:30 pm, in the Medford Elks Lodge 202 N. Central (ample parking both next to the lodge and across the street after 6:00 pm). The beginning course is standard foil. Cost of the course is $70, and students must have or purchase a fencing glove (available in class for $15).

The Advanced Fencing course follows the beginning course, Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, and emphasizes competitive fencing techniques in foil, epee, and saber. Instructor approval for the course is required. Cost of the course is $70.

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.

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 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.

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 and 2008 Olympic women’s saber gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, from Tigard, Oregon, was just 19 when she won her first Olympic medal.

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!

GETTING STARTED

To start fencing, call the Ashland Family YMCA at 482-9622, go to the Rogue Community College website, contact Steve Wesche at 292-0890, Ron Kilby at 245-4530, or John McDougall at 535-3969.  Children in the 8 to 9-year range are usually ready for fencing.  Our oldest member is 70+, 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.

LET'S FENCE!