Rules of the Salle d’Armes
The following Rules are complied from different sources who share our same goals of a disciplined school of fencing, a good etiquette and safe practice.
1. Punctuality
Proper behavior starts by arriving on time at the club for the lessons. This means you should be early so that you have time to wear your fencing uniform and your equipment is ready beside you to make the official salute to mark the beginning of the class. Many times there won't be enough time to do warming up exercises for the whole class, so coming early always allows you to do your own warm up.
2. Respect your teachers
No talking or other distractions when the Maestro or instructor is addressing the class.
If you have questions which are relevant to the subject, wait until the Maestro finishes what he has to say, then lift your hand for permission to speak. If your question is not directly relevant to the subject currently spoken about, wait until the lesson is over and approach the teacher with your question in private.
No bad language, obscene words or gestures are tolerated in the club.
3. Proper clothing & equipment
Fencing uniform, protective equipment and weapons are expected from members who have been practicing for more than 6 months.
Beginners are to wear a plain white shirt, black trousers and indoor sport shoes (ideally black). Although certain protective equipment and weapons are provided by the club, beginners are encouraged to start buying their own.
4. Weapons
Every student is expected to take good care of his weapons. Make sure that blades are properly oiled and not rusting, and make sure that safety tips are properly attached.
Training weapons being either made wood or blunted / buttoned steel must be regarded as though they are sharp and dangerous. This is important in order to cultivate a sense of ‘reality’ to our practice, respect for the weapons and safety for ourselves and our fellow fencers.
5. Behaviour with other Students
When practicing drills with another student, make sure that you practice the exercise as your instructor told you. Do not show off or experiment some different technique which is not the one practiced at the moment. Or for example; don't "win" when you are supposed to take the point. This behavior not only is disrespectful to the Maestro but it also hinders the learning process of your fellow student. With certain weapons this behavior can also endanger your partner and yourself.
No student should give instructions or lessons to other students without the permission of the Maestro or authorized club instructors.
In case of personal quarrels between students over any matter, the use of weapons is HIGHLY PROHIBITED in resolving the issue. Any issues should be resolved immediately and with total openness.
No student is permitted to participate in a free assault before at least a few months of regular attendance to classes. Only after this time a student will posses enough skills and control of technique to take part in a free assault in safety.
No student should take part in free assaults without the permission of the Maestro or instructor.
Before and after every free assault a salute is performed as a gesture of courtesy to your opponent. Also the official club salute will be performed to mark the end of the lesson.
6. Damage to Club Equipment
Broken blades, or other damaged items of club property is to be paid by who caused the damage. Special cases will be dealt with individually.
7. Outside the Club
No student is allowed to practice what is learned outside the walls of the club, unless special permission is granted by the Maestro or authorized instructors.