How to Start a Club

Starting a club is not a difficult project, sure it takes work and a little bit of cash - but anyone can do it (aside from a human vegetable or an infant). You need not be an expert, or even know much about the subject matter. However there is one thing that will be needed: Perseverance. Got some? great. Now, the first thing you need is a location. Sometimes churches will allow you to borrow a room or a gym, sometimes you can find a room to rent in a Dance studio or Dojo. They sit empty most of the time and the owner may be more than happy to rent it out, maybe even dirt cheap. Be sure to keep the location clean and tidy, always leave everything how you found it - or in better condition. If all else fails use the local park. You can just show up, get together, and fence with no questions asked and no fees. If you use an outdoor location, don't fence when it is cold out. The blades may become brittle and break.

Next thing you'll need is an instructor. Try and find somone in the area who fences or used to fence, they can teach you all how. If you can't, track down the nearest official sword club and see if they can send someone over to your area every other week or somthing. They may or may may not be able to do so, that means you should check with a couple. If all else fails, pick up a fencing book and give the lessons your self or maybe you and I can come up with an alternative stratagy taylored to your situation.

Now it is time to promote the club. First step, give it a name. Second step, get your friends to participate (and get their own gear). Third: pass out flyer's at the local fair or drop them off at school or work. Contact the local home school group, see if they are interested in participating. Businesses in your area may be interested in sponsering you, so don't be shy about asking (the worst they can do is say "no"). You can put an ad on craigslist or in the paper, post signs, hang posters, whatever you like.

Be sure to charge dues to cover rent, equipment, promotion, and instructor compensation. Dues should be about $12 per person (have a discount for people with their own gear). Keep track of attendance, payments, and liability waviers in a three ring binder. This binder is your paper trail, so keep it up to date. That way if a dispute arises, the facts don't have to be assembled, only pointed to. This will help preserve good order. Speaking of which, be sure to have a disciplinary procedure. These are handy for keeping people in line. Don't be afraid to use the procedure when needed, misbehaving fencers or students can ruin the time for everyone.

If any help is needed, please contact me and I will help you/your club solve the problem.