CDA

Although

...the name, venue, coach and membership of the club has changed over the years, one basic principle has always remained the same; to provide a safe and supportive environment for anyone, regardless of their background, to learn and to enjoy fencing.

No-one is pushed into competition, but those that wish to compete are given all the support we, as a club, can muster.

For those who want a challenge between competitions, we occasionally run a ladder and our annual three-weapon comp-cum-barbeque the PISCHT (Pretty Inebriated Sword and Champagne Tournament) is a popular Summer event.

(a note on our name)

We are often asked about our name and why we're not "Salle" something or other like lots of other clubs.

Well, the original club was called "Salle Rouge", after Cafe Rouge in Putney where the first constitution was drawn up in the mid '80s.

In the early '90s though the club lost its venue, coach and a number of its members. Those that were left, rather than disband decided to reconstitute and, as they were all involved in the arts (actors, writers, photographers, designers etc), came up with 'The Artists' Club' or, translated into your actual French, Club des Artistes.