Michigan, Indiana, Ohio fencing clubs

[spork]

Hello,

My boy scout troop is planning to have a day fencing outing. I was curious if there are any places anyone knows of in Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio that would offer a day lesson or something along those lines. I would greatly appreciate any information, and this may help get more people into the sport.

[Craig]

You can check for some club listings by clicking on the "clubs" link in the navigation section on the left side of the site. I would look for clubs near your area and give them a call. There may be a few willing to do what you're looking for.

Craig

[MikeHarm]

Just go to www.michfencing.org and it will list almost all the clubs in Michigan and contacts.

I think that you'll have success with this idea, most of the clubs I know in Michigan are eager to introduce new people into the sport.

[thyme_daniels]

try escrime du lac in south bend, IN. they have exceptional fencers, and they are also very nice people. i am not sure about the day thing, but it would be worth a look.
and on a side note, good job on being a boy scout. it's quite nice to have some good citizens out there ;-)

[spork]

Thank you for all the links. I will check them out and make another reply when I have completed things. Thank you again, you have all helped very much.

[lochinvar]

The areas you mention are pretty large, and encompass five Divisions of the USFA and many, many clubs. You don't mention where you're located, but I'm sure travel time will play a part in your decision.

Some reccomendations:

Escrime du Lac; Mishawaka, IN
Summit City Fencing; Fort Wayne, IN

Salle Aramis; Columbus, OH
Salle du Lion; Cincinnati, OH
Cyrano's Place; Lakewood, OH (suburb of Cleveland)

West Michigan Fencing Academy; Grand Rapids, MI
Renaissance Fencing Club; Madison Heights, MI (suburb of Detroit)

There are many other fine clubs in all these Divisions, but I think if you're trying to set up a daytime program (probably a Saturday, I'm assuming) you'll have your best success with one of the clubs listed--they have their own facilities, are well-established, and are most likely to already have a Saturday fencing program or be able to accomodate one.

Or, at least, those are the ones I'd start with.

[spork]

Thank you lochinvar for the list. I should probably state my location. We are in Hamburg Michigan, about 20 miles north of Ann Arbor, but our troop has traveled to all three of the states I have listed in the past, so I figured I would ask generally, I did not expect all this help everyone has givin me, and I really appreciate it. I will look into the club in Madison Heights first. Thanks again

[DangerMouse]

Originally posted by lochinvar
Cyrano's Place; Lakewood, OH (suburb of Cleveland)

I grew up and started fencing in Cleveland and as much as I don't like bad mouthing anyone, the coach at Cyrano's place has a very twisted sense of right of way that results in most of her fencers charging in and stabbing repeatedly until someone hits.

If you want a place in the Cleveland area, check out Hooked on Fencing . Walt and Jim are great guys and really great with kids. They started this club to make fencing more available and affordable for everyone. I think they pretty much focus on epee, but that would probably be the most fun for a one or two day outing (simple rules = happy kids). I haven't actually been to their facility, but I know them from when we fenced together at Alcazar (also good in the Cleveland area) and Saturn (no longer exists, but if you can get Zoli (Zoltan Dudas) from Notre Dame involved he's good as well and used to coach Saturn.

Good luck,

[MyraTrue]

you might also want to send off an e-mail to the Purdue Fencing Club in Lafayette, IN- friendly people, good fencers. (no, bias, or anything...) www.purdue.edu/fencing Very often, if given a little heads-up, they might be able to do something for you as well.

Myra

[DanInMI]

I would guess that Ann Arbour Duelling Society would put together a fencing day for you. They meet regularly on Saturdays anyway.