Programs and Club Information
Membership is open to all UNB/STU university students, or community members 15 or older. Visitors are welcome to drop in at anytime. Programs are offered for all skill levels, in Foil, Épée, and Sabre.
Fall/Winter Programs
A graphical representation of the club's program schedule can be found here.
Beginner Fencing
Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00pm until 9:00pm.
Intermediate and Advanced Foil
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00pm until 10:30pm.
Intermediate and Advanced Epee
One-on-ones (by appointment): Mondays 8:00pm until 9:00pm
Regular Practice: Mondays 9:00pm to 10:00pm, Wednesdays 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Intermediate and Advanced Sabre
Mondays from 8:00pm until 10:00pm.
Bouting
Saturdays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm (intermittent).
Summer Program
This year's summer program will begin May 22nd and ends August 28th.
Beginner Fencing
Wednesdays from 8:00pm until 9:00pm.
High Performance Sabre
Thursdays from 8:00pm until 10:00pm.
Saturdays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm.
Bouting
Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00pm until 10:00pm.
Saturdays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm.
Individual lessons are available with coaches David Themens and Jim Stevens upon request.
Costs
The club welcomes anyone to drop in and try fencing for FREE. Membership costs after the trial period are based on the program of interest.
Fall/Winter Programs: 30$ per semester.
Summer Returning Members: Free.
Summer Beginner: 30$ and includes membership for the following Fall.
All necessary equipment is provided free of charge.
Community members must also purchase a Currie Center Club Access Membership. For Currie Center membership details go here, under "Sports Club Affiliation".
Our programs are free for refugees and those currently receiving government social assistance.
Coaches
Foil and Beginner Program Coach: Joshua Dacanay
Joshua began fencing at the Dalhousie Fencing Club in 2009 where he learned Foil. Somewhere along the road Joshua moved to the Enguardians Fencing Club and learned Epeé as well as Saber, but decided Foil was where his heart truly lies. With the Enguardians Joshua became an assistant coach and realized just how much he enjoyed teaching the sport to others. In 2016 Joshua joined the UNB Fencing Club, and soon began coaching a small cohort of foil fencers
Epee, Foil, and Beginner Program Coach: Melodie Piercey
Melodie began fencing at the UNB Fencing Club in 2005 where she learned all three weapons, but settled on epee as her primary weapon of choice. She has worn many hats as a fencer, armourer, referee, and executive member.
Her desire to coach sports led her to the Fredericton District Soccer Association in 2007 where she has coached youth soccer teams off and on over the years. Realizing that the UNB Fencing Club needed coaching support in foil and epee, Melodie stepped up in January 2012 to fill this gap. She has received coach training from the Coaching Association of Canada and Fencing-Escrime NB.
She looks forward to sharing her passion for this amazing sport!
Advanced Sabre Coach: Jim Stevens
Jim Stevens is an NCCP Certified Level 3 Coach and currently teaches at the UNB Fencing Club. Jim has been fencing for over 20 years, and been coaching sabre fencers for the majority of that time. Jim strives to help you find your own love of the sport of fencing, and also to get you on the quickest path to long-term success.
Advanced Épée Coach: David Themens
David began fencing in 2000 at the Aux-Quatre-Vents (AQV) Fencing Club in Dalhousie, NB, where he trained in Foil and Épée under coaches Dr. Bernard Quintal and Paul Themens. In 2006, David began coaching as an assistant coach at AQV. In 2007, David joined the UNB Fencing Club, serving as Vice President and Assistant Coach in 2009-2010 and Acting President and Competition-Stream Épée Coach in 2010-2011. In 2011, David joined the Escrime Mont-Royal fencing club, training in all three weapons under Master John Harvie. In 2013, David returned to the UNB Fencing Club and has since served as President (2014-2016, 2017-present), Treasurer (2016-2017), and Advanced Épée Coach (2014-present). Over the years, David has received coaching and referee training from both the New Brunswick and Quebec Fencing Associations and regularly volunteers as referee at local tournaments. David is an NCCP Level 1 and Community Initiation Certified Coach.
Club Executive
President: David Themens
Vice President External: Colin Brown
Vice President Internal: Mitchell Clark
Treasurer: Joshua Dacanay
Secretary: Holly Tetzlaff
Equipment Manager: Mary Baker
Director: N/A
Where We Practice