Looking for a fun way to get fit, try something new, and make some friends? Discover the exciting Olympic sport of fencing with Hutt Valley Fencing Club’s Give Fencing a Go programme for adults!
Join us for 12 sessions from 2 November (registration depending), with training restarting in early 2027 after the holiday break. If we have 10 people we will start 2nd November.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, challenge yourself, or meet new people, fencing is a fantastic way to get active while developing coordination, agility, tactical thinking, and confidence. You’ll learn the fundamentals in a friendly, supportive environment, with opportunities to try the three Olympic weapons: foil, épée, and sabre. Our focus will be on épée.
No previous experience is necessary, and all fencing equipment is provided. Just bring comfortable sports clothing, indoor sports shoes, and a willingness to give it a go!
Come along on your own or bring a friend. You’ll learn new skills, have fun, and meet others while discovering a sport you can enjoy for years to come.
Programme: 12 sessions, Starting 2 November, with a break over the holidays and training restarting in early 2027
Cost: $150
Who: Adults aged 18 and over
Where: Hutt Valley Fencing Club @ Chilton St. James, Lower Hutt.
Sign up here:
Tag updates
Hutt Valley Fencing Club Term 4 2026 Updates
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!
Learn to Fence Holiday Programme October 2026
We are pleased to announce a holiday programme for budding fencers over the school holidays is coming to Lower Hutt this October. It is a great chance for friends and family members to try out a new sport over the holidays or to have a bit of fun while school is out. 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 October 7 and 8 2026, 9am to 12 at Chilton Saint James School for an exciting and engaging programme.
Register before October 1st and it is just $90 for both days – $100 after January 7th or on the day. Save $10 off per extra family member.
Family discount: $10 per additional child e.g. $90 + $80 + $80 for 3 kids.
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 form to enrol:
Date and Times
| October 7 and 8 2026 | 9am – noon |
Key Details
- Bring a drink bottle lunch and a snack for morning tea, bananas are highly regarded
- Bring a towel
- Wear track pants (not jeans or shorts)
- Wear closed shoes (sneakers if possible)
2026 School Learn to Fence Programme

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
July Fencing Camp
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.
