Hooked on Fencing is the premier Epee club in the Great Lakes area. The club is home to many fencers who hold a number of local, state, sectional, and even national titles. Though a competitive spirit is felt at HoF, the main goal is to have fun. Hooked on Fencing is a 501(3) c charity organization, with a mission to simply get people “hooked” on fencing.
Hooked on Fencing has developed a method of training that is designed to slowly work new students into the lifestyle of the fencing club. This program is known as the Immersion Process, which includes private instruction from one of our coaches who will guide you through the footwork and bladework and into actual fencing in the club environment. New Students will be instructed on an individual basis prior to being given opportunities to train with more experienced club members. In this way, the maximum amount of attention can be given to each novice, and the fundamentals may be stressed and reinforced to provide the best possible base for later learning. During this time, each student will maintain a fencing journal, cataloguing the contents of each lesson, and reflecting on salient points in the student’s interaction with the coach. As progress is made, the coach will then recommend additional days and later times of attendance so that the new student may learn and grow within the entirety of the Hooked on Fencing Community. During the immersion process, you will set up lessons from one of our coaches by appointment, anytime Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
At Hooked on Fencing, you will be instructed by two of our finest Epee coaches: Brian Stone and Walt Dragonetti. Brian Stone, who is Hooked on Fencing’s full-time coach, is a NCAA First Team, All-American from the University of Notre Dame. Walt Dragonetti is the current Veteran’s (over 50) World Champion and medalist three years in a row and is the president and founder of Hooked on Fencing. Between these two coaches they share over 50 years of fencing experience, which they are eager to share with fencing students of all skill levels.
HoF accepts students from ages 9-99.
Hooked on Fencing has a wide range of members. Some are highly competitive and have achieved prestigious titles, others come for the social interaction among their friends, and others are training to stay in shape, and simply become better fencers. With such diversity in experience and goals, many different skill levels emerge. HoF has members who will grow with you as equal sparring partners, and others will be members who can teach you new tricks and techniques, both widening your knowledge of the sport as well as becoming close friends.
Yes and No. As you begin your journey at Hooked on Fencing, the club provides all the necessary equipment you will need to practice. The only items you will need to provide are athletic pants, t-shirts, and good athletic shoes. However, after 3 months it is time that fencers should begin to acquire their own personal fencing attire. As an encouragement, during your first month as a member of Hooked on Fencing, if you purchase your own mask, jacket, and glove, HoF will deduct your first month’s membership fee from the cost of these items. This offer is only for members who have signed up through the automatic payment plan (see below).
Hooked on Fencing is open 6 days a week, with exceptions on holidays.
The club calendar provides information about which days HoF will be closed.
Below is the schedule for a normal fencing week.
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Monday |
4-5pm |
Individual, group lessons by appointment |
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5-6pm |
Combined Youth Club |
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6-10pm |
Club Members bouting and lessons |
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Tuesday |
4-6pm |
Individual and group lessons by appointment * |
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6-10pm |
Club Members bouting and lessons |
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7-9pm |
H.I.T. Practice |
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Wednesday |
4-5pm |
Individual and group lessons by appointment * |
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5-6pm |
Combined Youth Club |
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6–10pm |
Club Members bouting and lessons |
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Thursday |
4-5pm |
Individual and group lessons by appointment * |
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5-6pm |
Combined Youth Club |
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6-10pm |
Club Members bouting and lessons |
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Friday |
4-6pm |
Individual lessons by appointment * |
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6-9pm |
Club Members Open Fencing |
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7-9pm |
H.I.T. Practice |
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Saturday |
10-11:30am |
Youth Members ages 9-11 |
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11am-12:30 |
Youth Members ages 11-13 |
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12:30- 2:30pm |
New fencers get together |
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2:30-4pm |
Individual, group lessons by appointment |
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* This is the ideal time for our new members to be immersed |
As with all sports activities, some risk for occasional injury exists. Usually these injuries are pretty minor - sprains, muscle pulls, etc - and the more you practice safe conduct at the club, the less the chance for injury. The rare unfortunate fatal accidents have occurred in the fencing world, as in other sports, but cautious awareness greatly diminishes the chance that anything will happen. In truth, it is no more dangerous than basketball, or any other sport, and as long as everyone pays attention to what they’re doing, and doesn’t do anything thoughtlessly, no one gets hurt.
Hooked on Fencing is a facility that offers a lot and requires more than just money to get by. We have fundraisers and activities and tournaments to help stay open, complete our mission, and engage individuals in the sport of fencing. However, these activities require volunteers and for that reason, two different memberships have risen: the Contributing membership and the Philanthropist membership.
The Contributing member is someone who is expected to participate, in some way, to help the club. Do not be alarmed, we are not asking for a great deal of help from any single person. A little bit of help from a lot of people is better than a lot of help from a few people. See How Can I Help the Club? below for further information. A Contributing Membership costs $70 a month if paid through the internet, or $100 a month if paid by cash or check at the fencing club.
A Philanthropist member is someone who simply comes to the fencing club and fences. When fundraisers and activities come around, participation is not expected or even directed. Hooked on Fencing understands that there is simply not enough time in a day to enjoy the sport of fencing and contribute to fundraisers at the same time. Therefore, simply coming to the club is all that is forecast for a philanthropist member. A Philanthropist membership costs $100 a month if paid through the internet, or $130 a month if paid by cash or check at the fencing club.
At Hooked on Fencing, our monthly fees are an offer you can’t refuse! In 1975 minimum wage was $1.85?! In 2009, minimum wage is $7.50?! Why is this relevant? Because once you begin an automatic payment through the internet, the rates will never go up as long as you continue paying! Even if twenty years pass, and inflation has driven the price of a cheeseburger to $23.98, you will still pay as much as you do now! We call this our "Forever Discount". Unlike an automatic payment plan, paying by cash or check at the club, fees are liable to increase after you begin paying. Only automatic payments guarantee static prices.
Hooked on Fencing is able to thrive because of its members constant support and help at the club. Examples of how members and parents can help are:
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Attending our yearly spring cleaning day.
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Participating in our two or three times a year fundraisers (i.e., March Madness Goodyear Blimp Ride).
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Occasionally donating supplies (i.e, toilet paper, paper towels, coffee supplies, etc.).
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Helping organize tournaments and activities.
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Attending seasonal meetings, help maintain club equipment.
Generally, anything that you can do to help the club run smoothly is greatly appreciated and helps maintain a "Contributor" membership.
Once again, no one is required to help all the time, just here and there.
If you’ve decided that Hooked on Fencing is something you would like to continue with, there are only a few steps you must complete before you begin at the club. First, sign up online or at the club with your first month's membership. Second, fill out emergency contact information form attached to the welcome packet. Third, contact a coach for your next appointment, or if you already have an appointment, we’ll see you soon!
