haverstock fencing club
Haverstock Fencing Club was formed in 1995 by a committee of epee fencers from
London clubs who wanted to establish a centre of excellence in North London.
They quickly managed to gain a reputation on two levels, namely as a place for
elite fencers to train for the competition circuit, and secondly as a friendly
but professional environment for children and adults to learn how to fence. The
evidence of their success speaks for itself. Haverstock fencers have a fearsome
reputation on the competition circuit, with many current and former national
champions training there, male and female. Haverstock has been the dominant
force in British epee fencing almost since it was established. Indeed, when top
fencers arrive in London from abroad, Haverstock is normally their first port of
call. More importantly, Haverstock has always seen itself as a progressive club,
open to all, with a particular emphasis on children and the local community.
Beginners courses are often oversubscribed and many of those that went through
the early courses are now well regarded on the senior circuit. Haverstock
coaches take great pride in the ability of their young protégés, and the club
has also catered for disabled fencers. Costs are kept low to ensure the sport is
open to all. The club has two full-time coaches (with World and European
Championship experience) and two part-time coaches, who take care of all
newcomers, giving them a solid grounding in the basic skills required, teaching
in a fun but challenging way. Haverstock is one of the best equipped clubs in
the country, with plenty of kit for beginners to use for free while they decide
whether the sport is for them. Training takes place three nights a week, with a
mix of group lessons, individual lessons and fitness work to cater for all
levels. We also run popular training camps and weekend courses. The Chairman and
committee are dedicated to continuing to cater for both the elite competitors
who have so enhanced the reputation of the club as well as newcomers to the
sport, along with the many children and adults who are now “hooked” on fencing,
having had their introduction to it at Haverstock.
