Fencing

Master-in-charge:     Dr Denis Cruse

Coach:     Maître Christopher Penney

Michaelmas and Lent Terms

Fencing is available to all year groups and most join the Club as beginners. There is professional coaching at all sessions which enables boys to progress quickly. The first weapon taught is usually foil, and after some experience with this weapon sabre and epee are introduced. In subsequent seasons boys can concentrate on their favourite weapon. The club has between 25 and 35 members each term.

Boys are encouraged to enter competitions both locally and nationally: even after one term of fencing boys can do well in the local competitions, gaining useful experience for bigger events in subsequent years. The South East section competitions are qualifying events for the National Championships and the more experienced fencers have performed well. The Public Schools’ Fencing Championships are held at the end of the Lent term and we have had good results. Many fencers continue the sport at university and OTs have returned for a match.

Tonbridge School takes part in County, Section and Public Schools’ Championships.

Kent County Schools’ Championships: 2009-10: 3 Gold, 4 Silver, 9 Bronze; 2010-11: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 7 Bronze.

South East Section Age-Group events: 2009-10: 1 Bronze, 5 qualifying places.

National Championships: 2009-10: Under-18 Foil – 5th and 17th places, U18 Sabre – 17th place, U18 Epee – 20th place;

Public Schools’ Championships: 2009-10: Senior Foil 7th place.