WhatsNew:
Winter schedules are now listed under classes and fees. Sign up now!
Our coaches bring many years experience as well as professional credentials to the program. Whichever program you select will be under the guidance of coaches adept at explaining and demonstrating the techniques necessary to enable you to succeed.
National Fencing Season:
Check out the regional and national plan of events under the "news" page.
SOFC Hosted Events this Season:
The events established thus far for this year are USFA epee Nov 13, beginner's foil 11 December, and spring USFA epee Mar 19.
Our Programs
Fencing in Southern Oregon
The Medford Program
The
Medford program, operated by Southern Oregon Fencing Center, LLC, enjoys the
sponsorship of the Medford Elks Lodge and is located on the second floor of the
Elks building at 202 N. Central, Medford. Major support for the program comes
from the Gardner/Grout Foundation of California, which seeks to expand the sport
of fencing in the region with increased opportunity to fence through
scholarships and local competitions as well as financial support to compete in
tournaments throughout the nation. Individual and group instruction is available
in all three weapons (foil, epee, and saber) for beginning to advanced students
of all ages. Classes are arranged to suit all levels of skill and are generally
held in late afternoon or evenings to accommodate family and work schedules.
Private lessons can be arranged with instructors at mutual convenience.
Fencing development is self-paced; students can approach the sport as a recreational activity or commit to become top-level competitors. Fencers quickly learn that size and strength are not the principal elements of success; rather, balance, timing, and above all tactics are essential keys. As with other martial arts, fencers emphasize honor and integrity in their sport. The formal etiquite of fencing helps assure the safety of the sport, which has substantially fewer injuries than most other sporting activities. The program has ample gear for beginning fencers, though most will purchase a glove when they begin. Some fencing gear and clothing is available for purchase when students decide they want their own equipment, and there are links on the site to those suppliers with whom we have good experience. In general, a good quality set of clothing and equipment will be less than $200.
The Ashland Program
The Ashland program is operated by Southern Oregon Fencing Center, LLC, in conjunction with the Ashland Family YMCA. Classes are conducted in the Ashland YMCA building located at 540 YMCA Way in southern Ashland, just off Tolman Creek Road. The YMCA program offers beginning to intermediate fencing for youths to adults, with emphasis on the foil as the introductory weapon. Classes are offered on Tuesday afternoons and early evenings and are organized by age and skill level.
SOFC’s programs at the YMCA are primarily recreational. Students learn the technique, rules and etiquette of fencing with the standard (non-electric) foil, which is the traditional teaching weapon of the sport. Students learn skills that are fundamental to safety, fun and success in each of the three fencing weapons (foil, saber and epee). Intermediate students also practice epee fencing. Our program emphasizes respect for oneself and one’s companions, as well as skill building, fun and camaraderie.
Ashland Fencing Class Schedule
- INTRODUCTORY YOUTH: ages 8-11 or with instructor’s approval; Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4:00pm.
- BASIC YOUTH FENCING: ages 10-12 or with instructor’s approval; Tuesdays, 4:15 - 5:00pm.
- FUNDAMENTALS OF FENCING: beginning and basic fencers; Tuesdays, 5:15 - 6:00pm.
- INTERMEDIATE FENCING: intermediate and advanced fencers; Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:00pm.
Ashland Fencing Fees
Monthly tuition is payable to the Ashland Family YMCA - $25 per month for YMCA members, $40 per month for non-members.
Beginning fencers at the YMCA may rent basic equipment (jacket, mask, glove) for $10 per month with an $80 deposit. SOFC will provide the foil. The deposit and initial month’s lease payment is due on registration; subsequently monthly equipment rental payments normally are made directly to SOFC staff.
Further information is available by contacting the YMCA at (541) 482-9622, primary instructor John McDougall at (541) 535-3969, or Southern Oregon Fencing Center LLC at (541) 292-0890 or sofc.fencing@yahoo.com.