These FAQ explain the basics on fencing equipment together with fencing equipment rules applicable at Budokai.
If you are familiar with fencing equipment and regulations you may jump directly to the four questions marked with <rule>.
Do I need my own equipment to start fencing lessons? <rule>
Fencers are expected to bring their own equipment. In the club we have a minimum set of equipment that athletes can use to start practicing fencing.
You should, in any case, bring your usual athletic clothing and non-marking indoor shoes.
Is there a specific date after which I will be required to bring my own equipment?
Whenever you feel like and are able to get some equipment. Go step by step. If you have any doubts on equipment we will advise you.
I still remember getting my first glove (that fits like a glove) and how handling the sword felt much better… or you may like to get your sword too :-D You decide on each step.
Which are the advantages of using my own equipment?
1.You will have more time for practice and lessons will be more fluid. You won’t have to wait until the previous athlete has disconnected and undressed to then start dressing yourself with the same clothes.
2.You will perform better. Using clothing that fit your size will give you better feeling and freedom of movements.
3.You may feel more comfortable and it is more hygienic. Intense workout may leave the shared fencing gear wet.
Which equipment is used in fencing? Where should I start?
As a rule of thumb, you should aim getting first the garments that are closer to your skin. Wesuggest this order:
1.Internal layer: Bust protector and weapon connector cables
Bust protector: Compulsory for girls since the earliest adolescence. (We advise you to start with a one piece chest protector, like the ones already available at Budokai.)
2.Protective layer: Protective Jacket, Mask or Gloves.
Make sure to get masks and gloves suitable to the weapon that you practice: foil, sable or epee. Masks are unique for each weapon as well as gloves for sable.
Protective Jackets are the white ones. They are common to all weapons.
3.Sword: Protective Jacket, Mask or Gloves. Check that the foil is FIE certified (maraging) and get a water proofed protector to carry it around. (Trick: garden water hoses can do a very decent job to protect the foil and the tip.)
4. Electric Vest, Trousers and Socks
Does my equipment need to be certified? <rule>
Yes, for the safety of all fencers, all equipment used in the lessons must be FIE certified. (Fédération Internationale d'Escrime.)
Protective equipment has two certification levels:
-Level1 (or 350N): Usable by kids < 14 years old. (N = Newton)
-Level2 (or 800N/1600N): From 14 years onwards. (800 for clothing and 1600 for mask)
In the EU adult fencers from amateur to Olympic, usually, wear the same level of protection (Level 2). What may change is how, light, flexible and breathable each element may be, not the security offered.
Other countries may have less strict regulations, please, pay attention if you buy equipment from outside of the EU.
Do we need to bring non-marking indoor shoes? Is it a fencing rule? <rule>
Yes, we need to use non-marking indoor shoes. It is not a need arising from fencing safety regulations. The requirement arises from the use rules of the multi-sports hall that we share.
Standard sport shoes could leave marks on the floor of the multi-sports hall. They could damage or difficult the practice of sports.
You should be able to find non-marking indoor shoes at most sports shops.
Which fencing brands and vendors should I look at? Is it expensive?
In the last years a few vendors have entered the market bringing interesting offers in. (We are not affiliated with any.) There is a bit of marketing around but getting only some items may make a difference.
Second hand garments are an interesting option for protective fencing textiles (jacket, trousers or gloves). They have rather long live spans. Pay closer attention if you buy second hand masks, electric vests or swords.
Where may I find some mortar-and-brick shops to see and try the equipment?
Distributors will usually open their shops on appointment. (Do not expect a shop with street windows. It is more usually an office or distribution point with an area to receive customers and a fitting room.)
Most sellers are present in public stands at the most relevant regional and national competitions. Check the FIS calendar (Federazione Italiana di Scherma). Some may take place close to Ispra: Novara, Como, Milan…
Can you buy the equipment on my behalf?
We do not intermediate. Yet, we can help pooling together a group of athletes interested in buying equipment to get better offers.
What happens if I damage the club’s equipment? <rule>
Club’s equipment should be used correctly. The member should reimburse equipment damaged because of reckless use or in case of loss.
This is regulated in Art. 2.2 of Budokai’s Internal Rules. More precisely, the article reads:
Art. 2.2. Uso dei materiali del club
Il club dispone di attrezzature di uso comune o per protezione individuale. I soci devono provvedere ai propri materiali ed indumenti per la pratica.
Il socio è responsabile per il corretto utilizzo dei materiali del Club, che dovrà essere rimborsato in caso di deterioramento dovuto ad uso improprio o in caso di smarrimento.
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