This classic sport is accessible to all at the RA. The RA Fencing Club is registered with the Ontario Fencing Association and the Canadian Fencing Federation and is a participant in the Canadian Fencing Federation’s Armband Program. The Club is home to many of Canada’s top fencers, and is recognized as a premier force in the Canadian fencing community.
Coaches and Instructors
The RA Fencing Club is coached by Paul ApSimon and Parviz Haghendish. As an athlete Paul has represented Canada at World, PanAm, and Commonwealth Championships. A Level 3 certified coach, Paul has coached and managed teams at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the World University Games and the Canada Games. As Head Coach, Paul is responsible for overall programming and athlete development. Assistant Coach Parviz Haghendish is a former Iranian National Team fencer and National Team Foil coach. Trained within the French system, Parviz is responsible for technical development and junior programs. In addition to Paul and Parviz, the RA Fencing Club has a number of qualified bilingual instructors who lead the Introduction to Fencing, Junior, and Adult Recreational programs.
CFF Armband Program
The Armband Program is a comprehensive progression through the sport of fencing for fencers of all ages, encompassing all aspects of the sport as fencers progress from beginner to high performance athletes. As fencers work towards receiving their Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Red, and Black Armbands, they will learn the skills necessary to become successful athletes, coaches, and referees. Armband tests are held by the Club once per session.
Introduction to Fencing Classes
From September to June, the RA Fencing Club offers beginner classes for youth and adults. The classes introduce basic fencing footwork and various attack and defense techniques. No fencing experience is required. While the Club provides specialized fencing equipment for those enrolled in the classes (foil, mask, glove, and jacket), participants are asked to bring a t-shirt, a pair of sweat or track pants (NO SHORTS), and non-marking athletic shoes.
The first week of each session are free drop-in nights.
Everyone is invited to drop by the club to get a free introduction to fencing.
| Session 1 |
Sept. 15 to Dec. 15 |
| Session 2 |
Jan. 12 to Mar. 30 |
| Session 3 |
Apr. 6 to June 15 |
| No Fencing on Oct. 13, Apr. 13, and May 18. |
| Class Schedule |
|
| Tykes (ages 8 to 9) |
Mondays 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. |
| Juniors (ages 10 to 18) |
Mondays 6:45 to 8:10 p.m. |
| Adults |
Mondays 6:45 to 8:10 p.m. |
| Fees |
| $150 per session / RA member |
| $175 per session / non-member |
Recreational Membership
The Recreational Membership is for experienced fencers who wish to fence recreationally and for those with little or no competition experience. Fencers wishing to register as Recreational Members must have their Yellow, Orange, or Green Armbands (or an equivalent skill level). Beginners must participate in the Club’s Introduction to Fencing class before becoming members.
| Session 1 |
Sept. 15 to Dec. 15 |
| Session 2 |
Jan. 12 to Mar. 30 |
| Session 3 |
Apr. 6 to June 15 |
| Session 4* |
June 22 to Aug. 31 |
No Fencing on Oct. 13, Apr. 13, and May 18.
* The cost for Session 4 is 60% of the regular session fee. |
Junior Recreational Membership
ages 19 and under -
Mondays 6:45 to 8:10 p.m.
Junior Recreational Members are provided with an instructional program that includes organized group footwork sessions, scheduled sparring sessions, and group lessons
| Fee: |
$200 per session |
| |
$120 for Session 4 |
| |
$600 full year |
Adult Recreational Membership
Mondays 8:15 to 10:00 p.m. and Thursdays 7:45 to 10:00 p.m.
Adult Recreational Members have access to organized group footwork sessions and scheduled sparring sessions.
| Fee: |
$225 per session |
| |
$135 for Session 4 |
| |
$675 full year |
Competitive Membership
The Competitive Membership is for experienced fencers who plan to compete on the provincial or national circuit during the course of the season. Competitive Members have access to organized group footwork sessions, scheduled sparring sessions and lessons. Lessons will average 1 every 2 weeks (estimate of 7 to 8 lessons per session). Extra lessons can also be purchased through the Club.
| Session 1 |
Sept. 15 to Dec. 15 |
| Session 2 |
Jan. 12 to Mar. 30 |
| Session 3 |
Apr. 6 to June 15 |
| Session 4* |
June 22 to Aug. 31 |
No Fencing on Oct. 13, Apr. 13, and May 18.
* The cost for Session 4 is 60% of the regular session fee. The Session 4 fee does not include lessons. |
Junior Competitive (ages 19 and under)
Mondays 8:15 to 10:00 p.m. and
Thursdays 7:45 to 10:00 p.m.
| Fee: |
$300 per session |
| |
$120 for Session 4 |
| |
$900 full year |
Adult Competitive Membership
Mondays 8:15 to 10:00 p.m. and
Thursdays 7:45 to 10:00 p.m.
| Fee: |
$325 per session |
| |
$135 for Session 4 |
| |
$975 full year |
Club Bulletin Board
Club sites are intended to inform members about upcoming events and to keep them abreast of club happenings. This site is maintained by a club volunteer. The Fencing Club website can be viewed by clicking here.

For further information, contact Steve Mitchell at 613-736-6209 or e-mail at smitchell@racentre.com (please include phone number). Please call Members Services at 613.733.5100 for registration information.
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