how do i start?

[kpeck75]

Does anyone know of any fencing classes in the Buffalo/Western New York area? Please e-mail me at kpeck75@hotmail.com

[Clean Touch]

The best way to find a club (that I've found at least!) is on the usfa website. There a re loinks to it all over the fencing.net website, and it will list all the registered salles in NY, including any that might be near you.

If that fails, you could find some unregistered clubs at some schools (community colleges, universities, etc.). Call their athletoics dept. and ask about a fencing club or any classes they might offer.

Those are the two best bets I can think of. I've been in your shoes myself and that's how I found the clubs I've fenced in. Good luck and keep us posted on what you find!

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Est-ce que l'attaque bon? Mais Oui!!

[Lumberg]

The Rochester Fencing Centre in Rochester, NY is one of the best fencing salles in the nation. It's a bit of a drive from Buffalo unless you are really dedicated. Their information should be listed in the USFA website, www.usfencing.org or look them up in a Rochester phone book. The University of Buffalo at Amherst might have a fencing club. You'll have to ask around. They are a college club not associated with the athletic department though. The only other place in western NY is in Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. They have a NCAA women's fencing team and a men's fencing club.

[darius]

Rochester Fencing Centre serves two needs in the fencing community -- that of the elite athlete (and kids in training to be elite athletes) is their specialty. Since I started fencing there, my game has improved manyfold. They also have a recreational program which is great for beginners.

But adult beginning/intermediate fencers -- those who want to compete regionally, often fall through the cracks. In that case, I recommend the University of Rochester's club, which has a good mix of skill levels and all levels of commitment to the sport.

Check out the UR website: http://monkey.spankin.nu/urfencing

If you have any questions, fire away...

darius

[RC]

If Rochester is too far for you, the Niagara Swordsmen are in St. Catherines, Ontario. That's not too far across the border from Buffalo.


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"Etes-vous prets?"
"Oui!"

[snunemaker]

There IS a fencing club in Buffalo.
It's called the "Les Amis Fencing club" and they offer lessons in the French-classical style. I've been taking lessons now for 8 weeks and I'm having the best time. It's a small and very casual club, but you will get very individualized attention and the price is outragously cheap ($40 for 8 weeks - equipment included).
They should be in the phone directory, but if you can't find them, just let me know.