fall semester
ClasSes
(sept 7th - dec 9th)
epee
the dueling sword
Sport Epee Program
Our Sport Epee Program is designed for fencers who want to take their fencing to the next level and work toward competitive success at the provincial, national, and Canada Games level.
The program provides structured training in epee technique, tactics, footwork, strategy, physical preparation, and competitive fencing, with a strong focus on developing athletes who can perform under pressure and succeed in tournament environments.
Pathway to the Canada Games
For athletes under 16, our program is specifically designed to help develop the skills and competitive experience needed to work toward earning a position on Team Newfoundland and Labrador for the Canada Winter Games. Training focuses on long-term athlete development, tournament preparation, and building the skills necessary to compete for selection, placement, and ultimately a spot on the Newfoundland and Labrador team.
We are proud that athletes from Terra Nova School of Swords have already been selected to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2027 Canada Winter Games, and we are committed to developing the next generation of athletes who want to follow in their footsteps.
Programs for Kids/Youth & Adults
We offer dedicated Youth Epee and Adult Epee classes, allowing fencers to train at an appropriate level while working toward their individual goals.
Whether your goal is to make the Newfoundland team, compete for the podium, compete nationally, or simply become a better fencer, our Epee Program provides the training and competitive environment to help you get there.
Train with purpose. Compete with confidence.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
*Not required* Fencing glove
*Not required* Fencing mask (we do have loaners available)
When?
Mondays 7:00pm-8:00pm - Kids and Youths 8-15 (location: Ecole des Grands-Vent, St.John’s)
Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm - Kids and Youths 8-15 (location: Manuels River Hibernia Centre)
Mondays 7:30pm-9:00pm Adults 16+ (location: Ecole des Grands-Vent, St.John’s)
Tuesday 7:30pm-9:00pm Adults 16+ (location: Manuels River Hibernia Centre)
Rapier
Step into the Renaissance and learn the art of the rapier.
Our Historical Rapier Program explores the sophisticated swordsmanship of Renaissance Europe, from the fencing traditions of Spain and Italy to the development of the rapier as one of the era's most iconic weapons.
Students will study La Verdadera Destreza, the Spanish system of fencing that emerged during the Renaissance and was developed into a highly structured martial art. Training explores its unique approach to distance, timing, angles, footwork, blade control, and tactical positioning, bringing historical fencing techniques to life through practical training.
Students begin by learning the rapier as a single weapon, developing a strong foundation in Renaissance swordsmanship before progressing to the deadly combination of rapier and dagger.
From the dueling grounds of Renaissance Spain and Italy to the fencing traditions preserved in historical manuscripts, this program offers a hands-on opportunity to learn, practice, and experience the art of the Renaissance swordsman.
Wield the rapier. Master the art. Step into the Renaissance.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
When?
Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm 16+ (location: Ecole des Grands-Vent, St.John’s)
Kids & youth
saber Academy
Introduce your child to the speed, excitement, and tradition of sabre fencing with our Sabre Program created by Coach Neville Pawson.
This program is built around a simple, intuitive approach that makes learning sabre feel natural and fun from day one. Students are guided through the fundamentals of footwork, timing, and cutting actions in a way that’s easy to understand, helping them build confidence quickly while developing real skill.
Rooted in traditional fencing methods, classes emphasize clean technique, control, and respect, while still keeping the energy high and engaging for younger fencers. Through structured drills, games, and light sparring, students learn not just how to fence, but how to think, react, and move like true sabreurs.
Whether your child is brand new or looking to build a strong foundation, this program offers a supportive and exciting environment to grow, learn, and enjoy the art of sabre.What to expect:
Learning strikes and attack combinations with the sabre
Basic fencing footwork & parries
Light sparring
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
*Not required* Fencing glove
*Not required* Fencing mask (we do have loaners available)
When?
Mondays 7:00pm-8:00pm - Kids and Youths 8-15 (location: Ecole des Grands-Vent, St.John’s)
Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm - Kids and Youths 8-15 (location: Manuels River Hibernia Centre)
smallsword
Master the elegant and precise art of the 18th-century smallsword.
Our Historical Smallsword Program explores the refined fencing traditions of the 18th century through John MacArthur’s 1780 treatise, A New and Complete Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Fencing. A fencing instructor and officer of the Royal Navy, MacArthur’s work provides a fascinating window into the techniques and principles of Georgian-era swordsmanship.
Students will learn the smallsword, a light and highly specialized thrusting weapon that became a defining symbol of gentlemanly fencing. Training focuses on precise point control, footwork, distance, timing, parries, attacks, counterattacks, and tactical decision-making.
Rather than simply learning how to use an old weapon, students will explore fencing through the system and principles described by MacArthur, bringing an authentic historical fencing tradition from the page into practical training.
Whether you're interested in historical martial arts, the history of fencing, or simply want to experience one of the most elegant swordsmanship systems ever developed, our Smallsword program offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the 18th-century swordsman.
Learn the theory. Practice the art. Fence like a gentleman of the Georgian era.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
When?
Monday 7:00pm-8:00pm 16+ (location: Ecole des Grands-Vent, St.John’s)
Historical Saber
Learn the art of the British military sabre.
Our Historical Sabre Program explores the practical and powerful fencing traditions of the British military, with a focus on the system of Charles Roworth, whose The Art of Defence on Foot became one of the most influential British military fencing manuals of the early 19th century.
Students will learn military-style sabre fencing, developing practical skills in cuts, thrusts, parries, footwork, timing, distance, and tactical decision-making. Training emphasizes the aggressive yet controlled nature of military sabre, teaching students how to effectively use the weapon both offensively and defensively.
Inspired by the fencing traditions used to train British soldiers and officers, this program brings historical military swordsmanship to life through hands-on instruction, partner drills, and sparring.
Whether you're interested in military history, historical martial arts, or simply want to learn how to wield a sabre, this program offers an opportunity to experience the fencing traditions of the British Army from the page to the salle.
Draw the sabre. Learn the system. Fence like a soldier.
What you need to bring:
Water bottle
Male groin protection (if it applies to you)
Indoor/non marking sole shoes
Leather or suede gloves (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
Fencing mask and throat protector (available for purchase through our physical store. Loaners are available)
When?
Tuesday 8:00pm-9:00pm age 16+ (location: Manuels River Hibernia Centre)