I got the feeling of the competitiveness from their website. I never even been to a competition outside of class tournaments. Definitely seems very professional. I'd probably need to get some equipment so I can participate in the electric bouting. I definitely would need to focus on the training if I were going to even think about going to a competition.

Also understand, FAP is a professional, fairly competitive club with many experienced fencers - we are all really nice and we don't bite. Most open bouting is electric - although there might be some dry saber, not my night. There are all skill levels at the club, but FAP takes training all its athletes seriously. While I compete infrequently I train with a great deal of intensity - my coaching is very much the same as those with higher ambitions.

Sounds good to me. I checked out their website before I came back to Philly and the skills assessment thing kinda threw me off cuz I'm a beginner. I've had about a year of fencing practice in total and if they're going off of that then I might as well try something else. But hey if they'll let me join as an adult member and do the bouting then I gotta stop by. Thanks for letting me know TBean.

As a member of FAP I am 99% certain you can just walk in and join as an adult member. That gets you open bouting on the nights for your weapon and use of the weight room. If you ask about taking group instruction then you will be assessed in terms of your skill level to be placed in the correct class. Your skills might also be assessed if you want private coaching to see if group instruction would be more beneficial prior to private instruction.

If, however, the only thing you want to do is come in and fence - its a business, they won't say no to you. As long as you say - yes I've know how to fence, and yes I have all the appropriate equipment you should be fine.