Beginners Course


OUFC has one of the country’s largest and most established beginners fencing courses, catering to all levels of commitment. Whether you’ve been wanting to try fencing for ages, or ran into our freshers stall and want to give it a go, we would love to support your introduction to the sport!

The full beginners course starts for paid members on Saturday 26th October.

(Please find timings on the “Training” page)

  • Try Something New

    Our Beginners Course is taught by experienced coaches and focuses on teaching fencing in a fun, inclusive, and personally rewarding way.
    We understand that everyone’s schedules are different and offer a flexible commitment to training that you can fit in around your studies.

  • Meet New People

    Each year, our beginners course attracts fencers from across the University. Undergraduates, Graduates, Post-docs, and Staff are all welcome to join. The course is a great way to meet people from different Colleges and Subjects in an equal and fun environment.

  • Compete for Oxford

    Our beginners successfully represent the University in a number of competitions - such as the Warwick National Novices, the Novice Varsity Match against Cambridge, and number of ad-hoc “open” competitions. If you want to take your fencing further and start to compete, you absolutely can!

Want to join?

Our Beginners membership includes (at least) one fully coached beginners session per week during term time, along with access to whole club footwork and drill sessions.

Club kit is available during the sessions.

(18+ only)

Coaching

Lucas Baude De Bunnetat

Lucas has worked with OUFC for over 6 years and coaches our beginners’ programme. He has previously coached with the British Army and the University of Kent and is passionate about introducing fencing to newcomers in a fun, welcoming, and rewarding environment. In the summer he runs the Oxford University staff fencing course and supports novices in preparing for competitions such as the Novice Varsity Match, Warwick National Novices, and Challenge X-systra.

He normally competes in Sabre and Foil, but may be coerced into Epee for food.

He read Sociology at Jesus College and was OUFC President in 2022/23.

Having trained with OUFC for over a decade, he diligently stays relevant by playing “cool tunes” during training sessions, which in no way ages him whatsoever (sic).

FAQs

  • Fencing is a very active sport so please come dressed appropriately, you will need :

    • Long athletics bottoms (shorts are NOT allowed)

    • Suitable athletic footwear

    • Water

  • Fencing kit is provided by the club and is included in the membership price

  • We understand that student life can be very hectic and so have designed the Beginners Course to be mindful of this fact. If you have not managed to attend for a couple of weeks just let the coach, Lucas, know so he can make sure to catch you up to speed.

    Please note, the membership price is for the whole academic year or term (depending on membership purchased) and is not dependent on the number of sessions attended.

  • For individuals who participated in the Summer Staff Course you have the ability to upgrade your membership to include the Beginners Course for this academic year.

    This upgrade can be purchase on the training store page.