1.10 How do I find a good fencing club?

 
     Start with your local Provincial or Divisional fencing association.
     If you don't know how to find them, contact your national fencing body
     (see section 3.1).  Your national body may maintain a list of known
     fencing clubs in the country.  Otherwise, your local association will
     be able to tell you about recognized clubs in your area.  Many
     universities and colleges also sponsor fencing clubs and teams that
     will often accept non-students as members.  You might also check out
     courses or camps offered by local community centers.  American fencers
     with WWW access can find a list of U.S. fencing clubs at
     http://sarah.rsip.lsu.edu/fencing/fencing.clubs.html

     Once you have a list of potential clubs, you will want to
     evaluate them and your needs.  Desirable qualities vary, depending
     on your skill level and what you want to get out of fencing.
     Ask the following questions when selecting your club (if you're not
     sure what you want, "yes" is a good answer to all these questions):
     Does it have an active beginners' program?  Are there enough fencers
     of your own skill level?  Are there some fencers above your skill
     level?  If you don't have your own equipment, does the club provide
     it?  Does the club have ample electric scoring boxes and reels?  Does
     the club emphasize the same weapons that you are interested in?  Do
     club members compete regularly?  Does the club have a master or
     coach?  Has he/she had many competitive successes either fencing or
     coaching?  Can you get individual lessons and instruction?  At no
     extra cost?
 
     Lastly, atmosphere is important to any social endeavour.  Choose a
     club that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing
     the athletic spirit that is essential to progress.