ever watched the Olympics, seen the fencing,
and thought, wow, that's...
It's always so intense.
Yeah, but also like,
probably costs a fortune to even try, right?
You're not alone if you've thought that
fencing has this image.
I feel like. Like it's only for...
It's like the gated community of sports.
Yes, and that can be really intimidating.
For sure, keeps people away who might actually love it.
Exactly.
So we're doing this deep dive to get into it all.
We've got a great blog post
from the Academy of Fencing Masters.
They're a great resource.
They are. Some comments from actual fencers too.
Always good to hear from the source.
Right, and even a personal blog post
that gets into the nitty gritty, you know?
Yeah, those personal takes are so valuable.
Totally. So goal is,
you leave here knowing what fencing actually costs.
No more mystery.
Exactly.
I like it.
So Academy of Fencing Masters, AFM for short.
Makes sense.
They lay things out really well.
Yeah, they do.
Starting with that initial investment.
Which, let's be real, every sport has.
Oh, for sure.
You're gonna spend something to get started.
Exactly.
But in fencing, it's specialized.
It is.
You've got your weapons, all the protective gear.
The whole shebang.
And the AFM blog, they mention around $400 to $650.
Okay, so not chump change.
When I saw that number, I was like, oof.
Right, it's an investment.
It is, but here's where it gets interesting.
Okay, I'm listening.
They break that initial cost down over two years.
Okay.
Because good fencing gear, it lasts.
Oh, it's made to last.
Unlike basketball shoes or something.
Right, so over two years,
it's more like $20 to $30 per month.
Oh, see, now that's not bad.
Right, suddenly feels more doable.
Way more approachable, yeah.
And AFM gives us great tip for beginners.
Oh, I love good tip.
Used gear.
Oh, smart.
Saves money, especially starting out.
And it's good for the planet too.
Sustainability, love it.
Good quality gear, lower cost, win-win.
Exactly.
Okay, so we've tackled the gear.
What about the consistent costs?
Right, because it's not like...
It's not a team sport where it's like one fiend, you're done.
Exactly, it's more like...
More individualized?
Yeah, like taking lessons or classes.
You got it.
And the AFM blog, they actually...
They break it all down?
They do, they break it down really well.
So they've got these tiers, right?
Group lessons.
Which are great for beginners, I'd imagine.
Exactly, yeah, on the basics.
Those run, let's see, $10 to $30 an hour.
Usually.
Okay, that's not...
Pretty reasonable.
Yeah, way more than I thought, honestly.
Right, and then if you want more one-on-one,
there's private lessons.
Makes sense, but those are probably pricier.
They are, yeah, those can be $120 to $200.
There's a butt.
Big butt.
Those are usually only 20 minute sessions.
Oh, okay, so it's like...
Way more focused.
Right, you're paying for that expert's undivided attention.
Exactly, and that can be so valuable
when you're really trying to improve.
It's like, hmm, getting your car detailed
versus just a wash.
Perfect analogy, you pay more,
but you're getting a much deeper level of service.
Totally, and it highlights how those fencing costs,
they can seem misleading if you...
If you don't know the whole picture, yeah.
Right, which by the way, this comment from Kevin
on the AFM blog, so good.
Oh, what'd they say?
He said, and this is great,
I've paid more for a semester of college.
No.
Than I have for months of fencing.
Wow, okay.
And fencing is way more fun.
I mean, he's not wrong,
sometimes those college courses.
The worst, but his point is so key, right?
Like, cost isn't everything.
It's about value, isn't it?
What you get out of it.
Exactly, and sometimes it's about the experience,
not just the, you know.
Not just the dollar amount.
Yes, okay, but speaking of dollars and cents.
Hit me with it.
Hidden costs.
Ah, yes.
The sneaky ones.
The ones no one tells you about.
Yeah.
This personal blog post we found,
the cost of competitive fencing, a modern paradox.
Okay, I love the title.
Right, they get real about it.
Lay it on us.
So they break down all those extras.
Stuff that adds up, right.
Oh, big time, competition fees.
Coaching at the events.
Mm-hmm, gotta have a coach.
Travel.
Right, getting, there's not free.
You can like, parking food, it's wild.
It's the whole picture,
and most people don't realize.
They don't, and the blog actually lists individual fees,
like $30 for an RIC admin fee.
What even is that?
No idea.
But then there's $60 for ROC registration.
Okay.
A $9 sanction fee, and a $70 VTME event fee.
Okay, at this point it's just letters and numbers.
Right, like what am I even paying for at this point?
It's overwhelming, honestly.
Totally.
Oh, and don't forget the credit card processing fee,
a whole $4.42.
You've gotta be kidding me, that's brutal.
It's those little things.
Death by a thousand paper cuts, you know?
Oh, I feel that.
But seriously, this blog post makes it clear,
you wanna compete, be ready financially.
It's not just a casual hobby at that point.
Exactly, and because of all these extras,
the blog author estimates.
Okay, let's hear it.
Casual fencing, maybe $2,500 a year, but elite.
Elite's gotta be way more.
Up to $20,000.
Whoa, see that's on par with like gymnastics or something.
Which also have those hidden costs.
Right, but with fencing it's less.
Transparent, yeah.
Yeah, and that makes it harder to budget for.
And scary for people who are already hesitant
about the cost.
Totally, it's like surprise, here's a whole other bill.
Right, but even with all that,
the blog author, they're still in it.
Really, after all that?
Yeah, because they're kids, like lives for fencing.
Yeah, go.
That brings us to the big question then.
The million dollar question.
When is something worth the cost?
Like really worth it?
It's easy to fixate on the dollar amount,
but at the end of the day it's like,
what are you getting out of it?
Exactly, and for different people, that's different things.
Right, for some people it might be like,
I learned this cool skill.
Right, it's unique, it's challenging.
Yeah, or the competition.
Yeah, the adrenaline rush for sure.
Or even just like being part of the fencing world.
It's a whole community.
And those little wins, you know?
Like when you finally get that move down.
Oh, those moments are the best.
Or you score that point you've been working towards.
Like priceless.
Honestly, it's often those things.
That keep you coming back.
Totally, even when you're like, oof, my bank account.
For real.
And it goes back to that commenter, Kevin.
Oh yeah.
Saying fencing is the quote,
Jim he actually wants to go to.
I love that.
Yeah.
Because it is an investment.
In yourself, basically.
And that makes you wonder,
like could we make it easier for people to get into fencing?
Because those costs we talked about,
they're a barrier for sure.
Totally, like what if we could break those down?
Right, think of all the people who could be amazing.
Who just need a chance.
And I think honestly, there are ways to do it.
Like what?
Remember how that Academy of Fencing masters blog?
They were very upfront about the costs.
Exactly.
Imagine if more places did that.
No more hidden fees.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Everything's clear from the start.
People know what they're getting into.
I love that.
And maybe even like sliding scale fees.
Yeah.
Based on what people can afford.
There you go.
Or partnering with those used gear places.
Oh, that's smart.
Make it easier to get the equipment
without breaking the bank.
Right.
It's about making it for everyone.
Not just the quote unquote elite.
Yes.
It's fencing, not a country club.
Exactly.
I think that's a good note to end on.
It is.
So if you're thinking about fencing, do your research.
The costs are real.
You ute.
But there's so much you get out of it.
The community, the challenge, the pure fun of it.
Who knows?
It might become your new favorite thing.
Thanks for joining us.