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Hutt Valley Fencing Club Term 4 2026 Updates

Secretary

I hope everyone had a lovely school holiday break!

Our Holiday Programme was well attended. Thank you to everyone who came along, and a big thank you to our coaches and volunteers for making it happen.

Fencing resumes on Monday 12 October, with our regular schedule starting from 6pm at Chilton St James.

You can find the full training schedule here: https://huttvalleyfencing.org/training-schedule/

As always, fencers are welcome to attend multiple training sessions.

Term 4 & Upcoming Events

Central Under 9, Under 11 & Under 13 #4 – 2026

Our next junior tournament is a great opportunity for our younger fencers to get some competition experience.

Date: Sunday 8 November 2026
Venue: Upper Hutt College, River Gym, Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt
Entries due: Friday 6 November 
Eligibility: Based on age as at 1 January 2026. 

We will send out the entry form soon.

President’s Cup 2026

We’re proud that the Hutt Valley will host one of the four events in the New Zealand Cup series at Upper Hutt College!

This is an open competition and a fantastic opportunity to watch some of New Zealand’s top fencers in action. Come along and see high-level fencing up close.

Dates: 14 – 15 November 2026
Venue: Upper Hutt College, River Gym, Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt
Entries due: 10pm, Wednesday 4 November
Eligibility: All competitors must be affiliated with Fencing New Zealand for 2026.

Entries and information: https://fencingcentral.org.nz/news/2026-09-22-presidents-cup-2026/

Friendly Feilding Fencing Feast

Fancy a day of fencing out of town? Head up to Feilding for the Friendly Feilding Fencing Feast!

Around two hours north of the Hutt, Feilding is hosting this friendly tournament featuring épée and sabre. It’s a great opportunity to compete, enjoy a day in the country, and make a family outing of it.

Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Venue: Feilding High School, 1 Churcher Street, Feilding 4702

Sydney International Fencing Camp

Now in its fifth year, the Sydney International Fencing Camp is designed for foil and épée fencers, with professional development opportunities for coaches.

Running from 3–11 January, the camp will be led by Maestro Enrico Di Ciolo, leading Italian Olympic coach, and attract fencers from across the Oceanic Zone.

It’s an excellent way to kick off the new season, build fitness, refine technical skills, and bring fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm back to your regular training.

Dates: 3–11 January 2027
Venue: Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre

Entries and information: https://susf.com.au/sydney-international-fencing-camp

Nelson Summer Development Camp

FEINT Fencing Club in Nelson is holding a four-day camp at the end of the summer school holidays.

Led by two of New Zealand’s leading coaches, Mary Black and Judit Fliszar, this camp is a great opportunity to get back into fencing shape after the Christmas break.

And for parents? It’s the perfect excuse to explore everything the Nelson region has to offer while the kids are busy fencing!

Dates: 21–24 January 2027
Venue: Garin College, 35 Champion Road, Richmond 7020, Nelson

Entries and information: https://www.sporty.co.nz/feint/fencing-camp

New Zealand Masters Games – Whanganui

IYKYK! The New Zealand Masters Games are back, and fencing is on the programme. Open to fencers aged 40 and over, this is a great opportunity to compete, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy the Masters Games atmosphere.

Dates: Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 February 2027
Venue: Whanganui High School, Te Wehi Gym, Purnell Street, Whanganui

Entries and information: https://nzmg.com/sport/fencing-2/

We look forward to seeing everyone back in the salle for Term 4. Happy fencing!

Fencing is fun at Hutt Valley Fencing Club

2026 School Learn to Fence Programme

Secretary
Future champions!

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.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/wV53nCGEf3bpcwK46

Sign up

Mary Black

July Fencing Camp

Secretary

7–9 July 2026
10:00am – 5:00pm daily

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)
  • FIE Level 1 Foil (New Zealand, 2016)

Training Camp Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdslh_ZRj7g3px1LQJ3LNk9OjVJ3EdazI1wndx-4yviZD6MPw/viewform

Please note – no Sabre at the camp.

Start 2026 with Something Different – Fencing

Secretary

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.

Hutt Valley Fencing Club Holiday Programme January 2026

Secretary

All places now full!

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.

Please fill out this form to enroll.

Enrolment Form

Date and Times

13 and 14 January 20269am – 12 noon

Key Details

  • Bring a drink bottle and a snack for morning tea
  • Bring a towel
  • Wear track pants (not jeans or shorts)
  • Wear closed shoes (sneakers if possible)