What we Do
At Dragonhead, we take a games-based approach to our classes rather than basing training around drills. We want our fencers to learn by getting the chance to explore what works for them, having fun and building confidence in their own judgement, while still making sure everybody learns the foundational skills of the sport.
Our coaching philosophy incorporates a constraints-led approach to non-linear learning. What this means in practice is that every fencer will eventually develop similar understandings and skills, but that they’ll learn different things at different times along the way.
Fencers at the club will work towards the British Fencing grades, earning a badge and a certificate when they reach each level of proficiency.
We maintain high staffing ratios so that each and every fencer gets the support they need, this also makes it possible for us to welcome new starters at any time.
Dragonhead is an inclusive club. We believe that fencing is for everyone, and accessibility is one of our highest priorities. Although fencing is, by its nature, an individual sport, Dragonhead promotes a spirit of camaraderie and mutual support in the club. We work together, we learn together, and we cheer each other on.
We encourage our fencers to take part in events. We believe in the value of competition for personal experience and character building, and opportunities to practice a range of skills that you don’t generally get to work on in day-to-day life, so we try to make attending events as easy as possible. The club supplies a list of available competitions, and we’ll work with fencers to identify which ones are the best fit. We also run regular sessions about events, giving newer fencers the opportunity to ask questions of more experienced competition-goers. With that being said, we never push fencers to compete if they don’t feel ready.
Getting Started
First, check class availability with us by emailing info@dragonhead.club. We will confirm if we have space for your child to attend one session on a trial basis. That trial class is free, and their opportunity to try the club out, see exactly how the sessions run, and decide if it’s for them!
For your first session please bring/ wear:
- Sports top (or school polo shirt)
- Tracksuit bottoms/ leggings/ any other trousers where the pockets don’t face forwards. If it is not possible to change out of a school skirt or shorts in time for the class, we can lend fencing breeches to wear over the top. This is no problem.
- Indoor shoes (ideally non-marking court shoes). School shoes are often fine.
- Water bottle
Membership
If your child wants to continue after their trial class, we’ll ask you to complete these steps:
1. Obtain membership for your child with British Fencing
Sign your child up for membership with British Fencing at https://bf.sport80.com/. You can start with a free 90-day period, after which the cost will be around £12/year. The club receives no revenue from this, as with many sports, this is for insurance and safe governance of the sport.
2. Register your child with Dragonhead on our membership system ‘Spond’
Register your child with Dragonhead, and yourself as a guardian, on our platform Spond. This takes around 2 minutes. We’ll send you a link for this after your trial.
3. Sign up as a contactable guardian (ideally using the Spond mobile app)
Download the Spond App then choose to ‘Sign into existing group’ and register on the app. Make sure to use the same email and phone number you used when you registered as a guardian.
4. Pay for classes
Decide on a payment schedule for classes. Classes work out around £6 each when paid yearly, termly, or monthly. All kit is included in the cost of classes, you may wish to buy your own kit over time.
After that, you’re good to go!
Dates for 2024
Class Days
Every Tuesday at the times and dates below!
Class Times
Class 1: 15:45 – 16:45
Class 2: 17:00 – 18:00
Individual Tuition
Private lessons are available on Tuesday evenings after classes, and at weekends by special arrangement. Please get in touch for availability.
Fencing Dates
44 weeks of the year, during school terms and half-term breaks.
Spring Term: 02 Jan – 26 Mar (13 weeks)
Summer Term: 16 Apr – 23 Jul (15 weeks)
Autumn Term: 10 Sep – 17 Dec (15 weeks)
No Fencing Dates
After Spring Term: 02Apr, 09Apr
After Summer Term: 30Jul, 06Aug, 13Aug, 20Aug, 27Aug, 10Sep
After Autumn Term: 24Dec, 31Dec
Where to Find Us
Dragonhead Fencing Club
Old Boat Corner, Carden Hill, BN1 8GN
by Car
Just off the A27/ A24 junction. Free parking is available.
by Bus
Cuckmere Way (3 mins walk) – 26, 52
Carden Hill (4 mins walk) – 5B, 26, 52, 74, 75, N5
Costs
Class Costs
Classes work out at £6 each, paid Monthly or Termly, the total cost is the same with either option.
Class Option 1: Pay Monthly
Standing Order £24/month (no payment for August)
Class Option 2: Pay Termly
Different cost per term, based on the number of weeks
- Term 1
02 January – 26 March
13 weeks / £78 - Term 2
16 April – 23 July
15 weeks / £90 - Term 3
03 September – 17 December
16 weeks / £96
Individual Tuition Costs
Private lessons are available as one-off and block bookings. Please get in touch for availability and costings.
Meet the Team
Head Coach
Lewis McInley (Maître d'Armes)
Our head coach has been fencing since 2004 and first qualified as a coach in 2012. He holds a Level 5 qualification in each of the three fencing weapons and competes at epee on occasion.
Lewis moved to the South East in 2020. His current coaching goals are to promote fencing in the area to create a more vibrant competition scene in Sussex, and help the youngest generation get into the sport.
Lewis coaches at other clubs in the area, such as Crawley Sword Club, Lewes Fencing Club, and Worthing Fencing Club.
Welfare Officer
Jo Banks
Jo is the Welfare Officer for the club. She’s responsible for ensuring that our policies and procedures are up to date with guidance from our National Governing Body (British Fencing), and to act as a link for any safeguarding concerns.
Jo can be contacted at welfare@dragonhead.club Emails sent to this address are not accessible to anyone but Jo.
Coaching Assistants
Danie & William
The club is keen to help people learn at all levels, this includes learning to coach. We currently have two coaching assistants working towards formal coaching qualifications.
If you are interested in becoming a coaching assistant with us, then you must be DBS checked and comply with British Fencing’s requirements. You will be supervised at all times. Please contact info@dragonhead.club for more information.