Fencing training and competing
Training
Fencing practices are held in Helsinki at Töölö Sports Hall (Paavo Nurmen kuja 1, 00250 Helsinki) in the fencing halls.
Only members of Habda r.y. may participate in Habda’s training sessions. Membership can be applied for through our website.
Participants must have at least their own electric épée and body cord. Other equipment can be borrowed from the club.
You can discuss with the coach which training group is suitable for your skill level.
Training Times
Coached training sessions mean that a coach is present. Sessions often include footwork exercises, partner drills, target practice, or specific fencing exercises.
Free fencing means training independently without a coach present.
Children’s coached training
Tuesdays 16:00–17:30
Thursdays 16:00–17:30
Fridays 16:00–17:30
Adults and more experienced youth – coached training
Mondays 18:30–20:00
Tuesdays 17:30–19:00
Thursdays 17:30–19:00
Fridays 17:30–19:00
Adults – free fencing
Mondays 17.30-18.30
Wednesdays 19:00–20:30
Membership and training fees
The membership season runs from the beginning of August to the end of July. The membership fee is 100 €.
Training fees for Habda ry members per season (spring or autumn) are:
120 € (free fencing only)
300 € (all training sessions)
(Prices include the membership fee.)
The 120 € fee entitles participation only in designated free fencing sessions (listed above).
The 300 € fee entitles participation in all free fencing sessions and all coached training sessions.
It is also possible to become a supporting member of Habda and pay a supporting membership fee of 100 € per membership season (one year). The supporting membership does not entitle participation in training sessions, but it allows you to represent Habda in competitions. In addition, fencers representing other clubs in competitions may receive coaching from Habda’s coach if they pay either the supporting membership fee or Habda’s training fee.
Invoices for membership and training fees are sent by email at the beginning of the season from invoices@holvi.com .
License and Insurance
Every fencer participating in Habda training sessions must have a fencing license issued by the Finnish Fencing and Modern Pentathlon Federation.
When purchasing the license, you can purchase the insurance offered by the federation.
Habda does not insure fencers participating in training sessions against accidents.
More information about licenses and insurance can be found on the federation’s website.
Club Teamwear
Habda teamwear can be ordered here:
https://seurakauppa.intersport.fi/seurat/habda-ry
Competing
Participating in fencing competitions is a good way to measure your skills and meet other fencers. Competitions can also provide motivation for training and improving your fencing skills.
You should discuss starting to compete with your coach.
Getting Started with Competing
Equipment
To start competing, you need your own fencing equipment: electric épée, body cord, glove, mask, jacket, breeches, plastron (underarm protector), chest protector (for women), and fencing socks.
In competitions, you must also have a spare weapon and spare body cord. These can be borrowed from the club.
Equipment regulations for different age categories can be found here.
Please note the children’s mini-épée category (under 13 years old) and the FIE marking requirement (from the under-17 category onwards). FIE-marked equipment is required in competitions for safety reasons, as it is stronger and more durable.
License
Fencers participating in competitions must have a valid competition license and insurance. Both can be purchased from the Finnish Fencing and Modern Pentathlon Federation’s website.
The license must be purchased before registering for your first competition of the season. You may use your own insurance, but make sure it covers competition activities.
Check what type of license is required for competitions held abroad.
Competition Calendar
The federation’s website includes a competition calendar where you can choose suitable events.
For children and young fencers, Masters competitions are recommended as first competitions. These are organized 4–5 times per year.
Competition Registration
Send an email to habdakisat@hotmail.com stating which competition(s) you wish to enter.
You will receive an email confirmation once your registration has been added to the Ophardt system.
Remember to register in time (the final registration date can be found in the competition invitation) and make sure your license is valid before registering.