Discover the exciting Olympic sport of fencing with Hutt Valley Fencing Club’s Learn to Fence Programme.
Join us on Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Chilton Saint James School, Lower Hutt.
Over seven fun and practical sessions, you’ll learn the fundamentals of fencing, with a focus on foil. You’ll also have the chance to experience all three Olympic weapons, foil, épée, and sabre, and finish the course by competing in a friendly tournament.
Whether you’re looking for a new sport, a unique challenge, or simply something different to try, fencing is a fantastic way to improve fitness, coordination, and tactical thinking while meeting new people.
The course will commence once 12 participants are enrolled.
Suitable for ages 12 and above. Bring a friend and start building your school’s fencing team!
Cost:$150 for seven sessions.
Your registration also includes free Hutt Valley Fencing Club membership for Term 4, 2026, so you can continue fencing after the course at no additional membership cost.
No experience or equipment required beyond a water bottle. We’ll provide everything you need to get you started.
We are pleased to announce that leading New Zealand coach Mary Black will be joining us in Upper Hutt and coaching alongside our very own Russell Johnson.
Mary has developed a highly successful épée club in West Auckland, catering for fencers from age 10 through to adults. Her coaching philosophy focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where fencers can develop both technically and tactically while being challenged to achieve their best.
Mary has coached athletes from beginner level through to national podium finishes and international competition. Her recent appointments include:
Manager/Coach of the New Zealand U15/U17 Team (2025)
Épée Coach of the New Zealand U20 Team (2025 and 2026)
Head Épée Coach of the New Zealand U15/U17 Team (2023)
She is a registered Fencing New Zealand coach and holds the following international qualifications:
FIE Level 3 Épée (Budapest, 2017)
Moniteur (Level 3) Épée – United States Fencing Coaches Association (2024)
Join Hutt Valley Fencing Club – First Session 2 February, 6pm
Looking for a sport that builds confidence, focus, and fitness – while also being genuinely fun and welcoming? The Hutt Valley Fencing Club is kicking off its 2026 season on Monday 2 February at 6pm at Chilton St James, Lower Hutt, and new members of all ages are warmly invited.
Upper Hutt sessions start Saturday 7th February at 10am at Upper Hutt College. New fencers are welcome to attend one or both sessions.
Whether you are completely new to fencing or returning after a break, this first session is the perfect time to step onto the piste and see what makes fencing such a special sport.
A Sport That Builds More Than Fitness
Fencing is often described as “physical chess”. It develops:
Balance, speed, and coordination
Focus and decision-making under pressure
Respect, discipline, and self-confidence
For young people in particular, fencing teaches resilience- how to handle both winning and losing, how to stay calm under stress, and how to keep improving through effort and practice.
For adults, it offers a unique mix of mental challenge and physical workout, without the heavy impact of many other sports.
A Club That Welcomes Everyone
Hutt Valley Fencing Club has built its reputation on being:
Friendly and inclusive
Well organised and safe
Supportive of beginners and experienced fencers alike
You do not need to have fenced before, and you do not need any special equipment to get started. The club provides everything you need for your first sessions, including protective gear and swords.
Families are welcome, and many parents tell us that fencing is one of the few sports where children and adults can train side-by-side and enjoy it together.
Quality Coaching and Clear Pathways
Our coaching team brings decades of experience in developing fencers from their very first lesson through to national and international competition. More importantly, we believe in helping every fencer, whether competitive or recreational, become the best version of themselves.
You can fence simply for enjoyment and fitness, or, if you choose, follow clear pathways into competitions, school events, and regional and national tournaments.
First Session Details
Date: Monday 2 February Time: 6:00 pm Venue: Chilton St James, Lower Hutt
Date: Saturday 7 February Time: 10:00 am Venue: Upper Hutt College, Upper Hutt
Wear comfortable sports clothing and sneakers. Everything else will be provided.
We are pleased to announce a holiday programme for beginner fencers over the school holidays. It is a great chance for friends and family members to try out a new sport over the holidays. At the end of the second session there will be a mini tournament and participants can try out electric fencing, just like at the Olympics.
Our last holiday programme booked out quickly so get in early to avoid disappointment.
Current fencers are also welcome. We are also encouraging school based groups who are looking to build school representative teams.
This holiday programme is suited for future fencers 7 and up. No experience required. All fencing equipment is provided for a safe and fun time.
Join us January 13 and 14, 2026, 9am to 12 noon at Chilton Saint James School in Lower Hutt, Wellington for an engaging program.
Register before January 7th and it is just $90 for both days – $110 after January 7th or on the day. Save $10 off per extra family member.
This is a great chance for kids who don’t enjoy team sports to give something new a go. Fencing is a wonderful way to improve fitness, build resilience and make new friends.
Update 29/06/2025 – Places for foil are now full. There are a couple of places left for epee and sabre.
Join Hutt Valley Fencing Club July 1 and 2, 2025, 9am to 12pm at Chilton Saint James School in Lower Hutt, Wellington for an exciting mini Fencing Camp.
This camp will be run in 2 streams – one for beginners and one tailored for individuals aged 12 and above, or for those with 2 or more years experience. So if you are over 12 and looking to give fencing a go, or a fencer looking to get better, fitter and faster this is the camp for you.
Registration fee is $50. This cost covers the fees we need to pay for gym hire.
We will match the contents of the training to match the levels of the participants. We have a number of youth and cadet fencers going to fence in Australia at the Oceania Champs in July and are hoping this camp will provide a good chance for them to prepare. It will be a good chance for younger fencers to train with them and learn from them.
Tuesday July 1st
9:00 Warm-up Games
9:30 Footwork
10:00 Blade Work and Lesson – Getting out of pools with good indicators
11:00 Pool bouts, feedback and free fencing
Wednesday July 2nd
9:00 Warm-up Games
9:30 Footwork
10:00 Blade Work and Lesson – Winning DE Bouts
11:00 DE Bouts (to 10 points Round 1, to 15 points from Round 2), feedback and free fencing
Hutt Valley Fencing Club 