KUDUS – For children and teenagers in Kudus interested in fencing, training does not begin with handling a weapon. At the All-Indonesia Fencing Association (IKASI) in Kudus Regency, beginners are first introduced to fundamental movements, specifically footwork. Once these basics are mastered, training progresses to weapon techniques based on the chosen category.
Coaching programs are available for various age groups, ranging from pre-cadet and cadet to junior and senior levels. No prior experience is required to join. There are no administrative fees for new members, though a voluntary contribution of at least Rp5,000 per session is requested to support equipment maintenance, facility cleaning, and athletic hydration.
IKASI Kudus was established on January 2, 2008. In its early days, the organization was driven by only three athletes. A major challenge at the time was the public perception that fencing was an expensive sport, which discouraged many from participating.
The board and coaches eventually introduced the sport to local schools in Kudus. As homegrown athletes began achieving success at regional and national levels, youth interest in the sport surged.
Imam Kuncoro, Chairman of IKASI Kudus and a senior coach, reported that the program currently has approximately 80 students, with a consistent annual growth rate of 15 to 20 new participants.
Training is conducted through three clubs under IKASI Kudus: Smadaku Fencing Club, Spemuku, and Satria Muria. Participants range from students to the general public.
The training program is categorized into four age groups: Pre-cadet for ages 8–12, cadet for 13–15, junior for 16–20, and senior. This structure allows aspiring athletes to undergo training tailored to their specific age group and developmental stage.
Those interested in learning fencing can join the IKASI Kudus training program. There is no administrative fee for new members.
The primary training facility is located at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Kudus, situated in the building behind the assembly hall. General training sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and are open to both students and individual participants.
Current information does not include contact numbers, official social media accounts for IKASI Kudus, or specific session times. Prospective athletes are advised to confirm these details directly with organizers before visiting the site.
Participants are asked to provide a voluntary contribution of at least IDR 5,000 per session to support equipment maintenance, facility cleanliness, and drinking water for athletes.
Meanwhile, costs for personal equipment and policies regarding equipment loans for new participants have not been specified.
IKASI Kudus provides training in three fencing disciplines: foil, épée, and sabre, each governed by distinct targeting rules.
The foil is a lightweight, flexible thrusting weapon. Points are awarded only for hits to the torso; the head, arms, and legs are excluded.
The épée is heavier and more rigid than the foil. In this discipline, the entire body—from head to toe—is a valid target area.
The sabre is used for both thrusting and cutting with the blade’s edge. Valid target areas are limited to the body from the waist up, including the head and arms.
These differences require athletes to master techniques specific to their weapon, though beginners do not start with weapon specialization.
IKASI Kudus fencing coach Agung Nugroho explains that beginner training begins with footwork. Mastering foot movement serves as the essential foundation before athletes move on to weapon techniques.
“The basics for fencing beginners lie in footwork, the fundamental drills for foot movement. Once the footwork is mastered, we progress to weapon techniques,” said Agung.
Once footwork is mastered, training shifts to techniques based on the specific weapon type. Athletes then progress to classical techniques, semi-lessons, and sparring to improve their ability to read movements and identify offensive momentum.
The training process requires coordination between the feet, body, and reaction to instructions. Consequently, fencing training is not only about offensive and defensive skills but also demands high levels of concentration and discipline.
According to Agung, athletes must follow the curriculum set by the coach, with constant repetition used to refine the coordination between the brain, feet, and body.
To maintain focus, young athletes are prohibited from using mobile phones in the training area, as their attention must remain on physical drills, techniques, and strategy.
Because fencing utilizes metal weapons, protective gear is mandatory. Athletes must wear specialized fencing suits made of synthetic fibers with a puncture resistance of at least 350 Newtons for training or regional levels, with higher standards required for international competition.
Head protection is also mandatory. The masks worn by athletes feature high-strength steel or full stainless steel mesh to safeguard the face and head.
Athletes are further required to wear supplementary gear, including breast protectors for female athletes and hand guards.
Safety regulations are strictly enforced beyond just match days; protective gear remains mandatory during all sparring and technical training.
Agung emphasizes that masks must be worn even during classical technique drills, as fencing movements carry inherent risks to the head, eyes, and other vital body parts.
Ultimately, aspiring athletes must understand that fencing is as much about adhering to safety procedures as it is about learning technical skills.
Not all athletes are immediately sent to participate in tournaments. IKASI Kudus implements a tiered selection process based on individual athlete achievements.
The selection begins at the regency level. Athletes who secure championship titles at this level may earn an upgrade to represent Kudus at the Central Java provincial level.
Should an athlete demonstrate consistent progress and performance, the management may provide support for participation in national-level competitions.
This structured approach integrates championships into the development process. Athletes do not merely train for technical proficiency but also gain opportunities to test their skills through competition as they develop.
Currently, no specific schedule for upcoming internal selections or a list of imminent championships to be attended by IKASI Kudus has been disclosed.
The progress of Kudus fencing athletes is reflected in their participation in regional and national championships. These competitions serve as both a development tool and a venue for athletes to gauge their growth following their training.
At the 2026 Regional Fencing Championship held at SMP Muhammadiyah Kudus on Friday, September 18, 2026, several young Kudus athletes achieved notable results in the foil and épée categories. July Edrea Clarabelle placed first in the women's foil, Zaky Zuhair took second in the men's foil, M. Dzaky An-Nuur secured second in the men's épée, and Galang Aleka Utama finished third in the men's épée.
These results demonstrate that regional championships serve as essential platforms for young athletes to gain competitive experience. For those in the development stage, tournament participation is a critical part of acclimating to the competitive environment while refining skills tailored to their age group and event.
A first-place finish in the sabre event and a second-place finish in the foil event marked the early career of 14-year-old fencer Fiqqi Muftakhul Khoir. The teen achieved these results at the Kudus Regency Fencing Championship following consistent training that began in 2024.
Currently in the ninth grade at MTs NU TBS Kudus, Fiqqi first discovered fencing in the seventh grade. Her interest was piqued after watching her older sibling train with the sport in Kudus.
The path to competition was not without its hurdles. Initially, Fiqqi struggled to adapt to the rigorous physical demands, frequently experiencing pain and fatigue after sessions. With consistent training, however, she gradually overcame these physical challenges.
"At first, it was quite painful and exhausting, but over time, I became accustomed to it," Fiqqi said.
As her skills matured, Fiqqi began competing in broader events, securing a second-place silver medal in the foil category for the pre-cadet level at a regional championship.
For Fiqqi, competition is a vital component in gauging the skills developed during training. It serves as a natural progression after mastering basic movements and fundamental techniques.
Her athletic journey is supported by her family, who help provide essential gear such as specialized footwear and uniforms. This support extends to covering travel and competition costs for out-of-town tournaments.
Following her recent progress, Fiqqi is now focused on her next goal: joining the national team and competing at the international level.
An increasing number of participants has placed greater demand on the training program. With approximately 80 active athletes, the supply of weaponry and protective gear currently falls short of demand.
Coach Imam noted that existing equipment covers only about a quarter of what is needed for the active athletes, creating a significant hurdle for sustainable training.
The coaching staff is also limited, with only three active instructors managing dozens of athletes six days a week. While schedules are staggered to keep the program operational, the current coach-to-athlete ratio remains far from ideal.
Beyond facilities and coaching, maintaining consistency among teenage athletes remains a significant challenge. During this transitional phase, many athletes must balance training with other personal commitments. Sustaining attendance and focus is therefore essential to the ongoing development process.
For IKASI Kudus, increasing participant numbers is vital to strengthening its development pipeline. The organization aims to produce new athletes capable of joining the national team and competing in major multi-sport events like the Asian Games.
For aspiring athletes, the journey begins with the fundamentals: attending training, mastering footwork, understanding core techniques, and utilizing safety equipment, before progressing based on individual ability. This process forms the foundation of fencing development in Kudus, with open competition opportunities available for athletes who demonstrate growth and achievement. (JMY/mainkekudus)
