Am I Too Old to Start Fencing? A Guide for Adult Beginners

It is easy to look at an unfamiliar sport and assume everyone else started as a child. But you do not need a childhood fencing background to join a beginner class. Pulse Fencing offers classes for adults with little or no previous experience, right in Auckland CBD.

If you have been wondering whether to try it, start with a more useful question than “Am I too old?”: “Would I enjoy learning this?”

You are allowed to be new

Fencing has its own movements, equipment and vocabulary. That can make it seem complicated from the outside, but a beginner programme gives you a place to learn the foundations.

At Pulse, beginner training covers footwork, blade control, attacking and defensive techniques, rules and basic tactical awareness. You are not expected to know these before arriving. Focus on one skill at a time and ask your coach to explain anything that is unclear.

You do not need to arrive with your own equipment

All necessary fencing equipment is provided for beginner classes. There is no need to choose a weapon, buy a mask or work out jacket sizing before you have even tried a lesson.

Bring clean sports shoes, comfortable athletic trousers and a water bottle. If you are unsure whether a session will suit your circumstances or have a particular participation requirement, contact us beforehand to discuss the class.

Expect a learning curve

Moving your feet and blade together may feel unfamiliar at first. That is part of learning. Rather than comparing yourself with someone who has fenced for years, notice smaller steps: remembering a movement, recognising a rule or understanding why distance matters.

Fencing also gives you something to think about. As the basics become more familiar, you start making choices about when to attack, when to defend and how to respond to an opponent. You do not need to master those decisions in your first lesson.

Find a session that fits your week

Pulse offers beginner sessions for older beginners, including adults, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check our beginner class page for current times and prices, and complete the first-time sign-up form before attending.

Our team will contact you with the details needed to get started. During your first session, we will help you set up GymMaster for future bookings and payments.

You do not need to decide your whole fencing future

Your first step can simply be trying a class. You do not have to decide immediately whether you want to enter competitions or how far you want to progress.

We recommend completing at least eight beginner classes before moving into intermediate training. Progression is based on individual development, and your coach will advise when you are ready. Continuing in beginner classes for extra practice is also welcome.

As you find your feet, you can explore our class programme and membership options to see what suits your interests and routine.

Take the first step

You will find Pulse Fencing at Level 2, 76 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD. If you are curious, our beginner programme is the place to start.

See adult beginner session times and sign up for your first class.