Students interested in learning how to fence can attend weekly classes on campus. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the John W. Hart Auxiliary Gym and on Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Hart 234.
Daniel Gillis, a junior studying computer science, started fencing when he came to school at BYU-Idaho. He encourages students who are new to the sport to not get frustrated when things don’t go right and to keep trying and improving each time they come to class.
The class covers three styles of fencing: foil, épée and saber. There are also two different types of swords available for students to use.
“Students may check out fencing equipment in the Hart equipment room for $3 per day or $30 for the semester,” said Mistie Hurley, a BYU-I fitness center employee.
Students can expect to warm up, stretch and practice basic steps before advancing to fencing with other students.
Madi Mcdowell, a freshman at BYU-Idaho, started fencing her first semester and is now an instructor for the fencing class.
“A lot of people who show up are afraid because they don’t have any experience, but you don’t need any,” Mcdowell said.
Those interested can join the BYU-I fencing class Facebook group as the location may vary from class to class.
Pre-registration for the class can be completed here.