Fence with us—for fun or competition—we offer a range of options for all ages. We welcome fencers from 6-years-old and up, right through to our masters and veterans, in foil and epee.
Our classes combine group and individual lessons, providing rewarding experiences for the fun fencer and opportunities to progress for those with a more competitive mindset. We offer training to take a fencer from beginner through to international competition on the world stage.
Training at Tanera Park, BrooklynSaturday training at Rongotai College Hall
Established 1932
About the club
Wellington Swords Club was established in 1932 and is dedicated to the promotion of the Olympic sport of fencing in the Wellington Region. We are affiliated to Fencing New Zealand through Fencing Central.
Our classes cater to a range of experience, with a focus on fun and fitness. Our competitive fencers train regularly and take individual lessons from our experienced fencing coaches. Our fencers compete locally, nationally and around the world, both individually and as part of the Wellington Swords Club team.
For all ages and levels
Classes
Whether you are curious about fencing, want to improve your skills, or want high-intensity training for national competition, we have classes for all levels and ages. New fencers and onlookers are always welcome.
Please note: Summer and school holiday hours may differ. Check our Facebook page for current updates.
New to fencing
Beginners
Saturdays — Rongotai College
9:00am–10:30am: Beginners, followed by free bouting until 11:45am.
New fencers and onlookers always welcome.
Tuesdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
4:30pm–6:00pm: Intermediate Foil, ages 10–16, for new to intermediate foil fencers.
6:30pm–8:30pm: Slaydies Night (women only), all ages and levels.
Wednesdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
6:00pm–7:00pm: Kids ages 6–10 — fun and skills development.
Thursdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
4:30pm–6:00pm: Junior Épée for new fencers, ages 7–15.
6:30pm–8:30pm: Foil and Épée free bouting.
Experienced fencers
Advanced
Saturdays — Rongotai College
10:00am–11:45am: Épée and Foil free bouting for Intermediate, Senior, Masters and Vets.
Tuesdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
6:30pm–8:30pm: Slaydies Women’s Épée, all ages and levels. Younger students leave earlier.
Wednesdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
7:00pm–8:30pm: Épée development for ages 11–17 — fitness, drills and bouting.
Thursdays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
6:30pm–8:30pm: Foil and Épée free bouting.
Fridays — Tanera Park Bowling Club
6:30pm–8:30pm: Competitive poule and 15-point bouting for competition preparation.
Events and competitions
Fencing competition calendar
Wellington Swords Club is in the Fencing Central region for national Fencing NZ competition. All fencers must affiliate to compete in regional or national competitions; we can help you do that through Wellington Swords Club.
The Fencing Central calendar lists competitions and events held within the region, plus selected national and international competitions that may interest Fencing Central members. The full New Zealand competition calendar is also available from Fencing New Zealand.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of competition information, schedule changes can occur and may not be reflected immediately.
“Fencing is a game of living chess, a match where reflexes only work in combination with intent, and mind and body must work together at every moment.”
— V. E. Schwab
Experience at every level
Our coaches
Our experienced coaches provide group training and individual lessons for developing and competitive fencers.
Will Bishop
Épée and Foil Coach
Will joined us from Australia, bringing over two decades of experience as a fencer and coach at club through to international level.
He runs our Tuesday and Wednesday training sessions and supervises our other sessions at both locations. He is available to provide individual lessons by arrangement.
Daniel Chan
Épée Coach
Maestro Chan is a fencing champion and experienced coach, with expertise in Foil and Épée. He has taken his fencing students to the highest competitive levels and tournaments in the sport. He provides group classes and individual lessons at both Wellington locations.
New Zealand team coach — Australian U15 & U17 National and Oceanic Championships, 2009
New Zealand team coach — Australian U15 & U17 National Championships, 2008
New Zealand team coach — Asian Championships, 2007
Wheelchair fencing coach — Hong Kong Sport for the Physically Disabled
Hong Kong Women’s Épée Team coach — Hong Kong Sport Institute
Hong Kong Fencing Association regional development squad coach
Come say hello
Visitors are very welcome.
Come and see our classes in action and discover what our sport is all about.
Most classes
Wellington Swords Club
Beside the bowling greens
Tanera Park
8 Tanera Crescent, Brooklyn
Saturday classes
Rongotai College Hall
170 Coutts Street
Kilbirnie
Saturday location can vary; please check the schedule before visiting.
