Monash University
Fencing Club

General Information

Where are Competions Held?

MUFC - Club competitions are usually held in the back of the Martial Arts Hall, where we have our pistes set up.
Map of S&R

VAFA - State Competitions are usually held in the Fencing Factory, 2/24 Lincoln Street Brunswick. If travelling by public transport, grab a tram up Swanston Street from Flinders Street station. Car pooling can also be arranged.
Map to the Fencing Factory

AFF - National Competitions are held in different Capital cities each year. The VAFA website is the best place to catch up on details as they come to hand.

How Much do They Cost?

MUFC - $2 for individual comps, team events are free, $5 for 3-weapon events.
VAFA - $15 per weapon
AFF - $35 per weapon

What do I Need?

Equipment can be borrowed from the club for competitions. If you need to borrow equipment you should speak to the club tournament officer.
Affiliation is subsidised by Sports and Rec for Monash students.

You will need:

• Affiliation to the VAFA (which includes AFF affiliation)
• Entry Fee
• Electric weapon, lame' (for foil and sabre), bodywire, mask, jacket, glove.
• Spare weapon and bodywire.

Also:

State Open Comps:

• Breeches and knee-high socks

AFF:

• 800N FIE Jacket, plastron and breeches
• 1600N FIE Mask
• FIE approved blades

What are the Benefits?

In a nutshell, competition is good for your fencing.
Whether you think of yourself as competitive or not, it's only natural that when you're being tested you'll push yourself harder. This, combined with the benefits of fencing different people, of different skill levels, will see your fencing skills improve far more rapidly than they otherwise would.
And of course, like all fencing, competitions are fun. It gives you another chance to don your gear and fence, to learn new skills and meet new people.

Which Competitions Should I Enter?

Novice is probably the best place to start. Not because it's any easier (Novice comps tend to be the most hard-fought of all comps), but because they're generally the most well-attended. There will be lots of people, lots of fencing, and so it will be a really good learning experience.
If you enjoy that, go ahead and enter the open events that incorporate both A and B grade. The standard of fencing is usually (but not always!) higher and you'll learn a lot by fencing against better fencers. The small numbers mean the comp won't take as long, and they actually tend to be more relaxed than the big Novice.
Team competitions are my personal favourites, and these can also make a good introduction to competition, since you'll have your team mates there to advise and support you.

Remember: If it's not the world championships then it's just practice.

How do I Enter?

MUFC - Turn up on the night.
VAFA - Turn up and pay before the advertised roll call.
AFF - Send money to the VAFA Secretary by the advertised deadline, with your name and weapon(s) you wish to compete in.