Hong Kong Major Fencing Competitions for Children
From a first friendly bout at Master Star to HKFA championships, competition is where young fencers learn resilience. This guide from Fencing Master, led by two-time Olympian Coach Lau Kwok Kin, explains the key events, who can enter and how to prepare. Always check with your coach before entering.
Hong Kong Major Fencing Competitions for Children (2026-27)
From a first friendly bout at Master Star to Hong Kong Fencing Association HKFA championships, competition is where young fencers learn resilience.
This guide from Hong Kong Fencing Master, led by two-time Olympian Coach Lau Kwok Kin, explains the key events, who can enter and how to prepare.
Always check with your coach before entering.
Key Competition Calendar 2026-27
Month | Competition | Who Can Enter | Organiser | Suggested Badge Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
19–20 Sep 2026 | HKFA Under-14 Championships | U14 fencers registered with HKFA (HKID or HK birth certificate) | HKFA | Level 5 (Level 4 for a challenge) |
3–4 Oct 2026 (2027 TBC) | Bank of China (Hong Kong) Junior Open Fencing Championships (teens) | Junior (born 2007–2012) & Cadet (born 2010–2013); not for primary kids | HKFA | Level 4+ |
31 Oct, 1 Nov & 25 Dec 2026 | HKSSF Inter-Secondary – Hong Kong Island & Kowloon region | Secondary students, entered via school | HKSSF (HK & Kowloon) | Level 4+ |
28–29 Nov 2026 (entry deadline 29 Oct, 5pm) | BOC Cup Inter-Primary School District Fencing Competition (中銀盃) | Primary students via school; A born 2014–2015, B born 2016, C born 2017 or later | HKFA | Level 3+ |
5–6 Dec 2026 (Sat–Sun) | ISSFHK Fencing Championships (U14 & U20) | Students of ISSFHK member schools (mainly international secondary), via school | ISSFHK | Level 4+ |
19–20 Dec 2026 | HK Open (incl. U14) | Senior & U14, local and overseas | HKFA | Level 5 (Level 4 for a challenge) |
Quarterly – next 27 Dec 2026 | Eastern District points series (U8–U15) | U8–U15 by birth year | Eastern District Sports Association | Level 2+ |
Usually Jan–Feb 2027 (TBC) | HKFA Age Group Championships | Junior & Cadet | HKFA | Level 4 (Level 3 for a challenge) |
TBC | HKSSF Inter-Secondary – New Territories region | Secondary students of NT schools, via school | HKSSF (NT Office) | Level 4+ |
TBC (2025-26 was Feb) | Kowloon City District Inter-Primary Fencing Invitational (全港小學校際劍擊邀請賽) | Primary students from all over Hong Kong, entered via school | Kowloon City District Sports Association | Level 3+ |
Apr 2027 (TBC) | HKSSF Inter-Primary Schools Fencing (all HK) | Primary students via school; Grade A born 2014 or later, B 2016 or later, C 2017 or later | HKSSF | Level 4+ |
TBC (usually May) | HKFA Under-20 Championships | Junior & Cadet | HKFA | Level 5+ |
Quarterly | Master Star | All Fencing Master students, beginners welcome | Fencing Master | Mini Star 1 (BB) / Level 1+ |
Why my child should join Fencing Competition?
Competition turns training into real experience. In a bout, your child has to think fast, stay calm under pressure, and respect their opponent and the referee. Win or lose, every competition teaches resilience: how to bounce back from a lost point, learn from mistakes and keep going. Children also gain confidence, set their own goals, and make friends with fencers from other clubs and schools. For older students, competition results and the discipline behind them can also support school applications.
Start with Club-Level Competitions
We recommend every young fencer starts with friendly, low-pressure events before moving up to school and HKFA championships:
1. Master Star (our in-house competition). Open to all Hong Kong Fencing Master students, beginners included, and held every quarter. It's the perfect first step: a familiar venue, familiar coaches, and real competition rules.
2. District age-group events (for example, the Eastern District series). These are split by birth year from U8 to U15, run several times a year, and U8 and U10 fencers use a size 0 blade. They're a great next step to meet fencers from other clubs.
3. District inter-school invitationals (for example, the Kowloon City District primary invitational). These are friendly events for primary students, entered through the school.
Once your child is comfortable at these events, your coach will tell you when they're ready for HKSSF school competitions and HKFA championships.
Age Groups (by birth year)
- HKSSF Primary (Apr 2027, TBC): Grade A born on or after 1 Jan 2014, Grade B born on or after 1 Jan 2016, and Grade C on or after 1 Jan 2017. Grade C foil uses a size 0 blade.
- BOC Cup Primary (HKFA, 28–29 Nov 2026): Group A born 2014–2015, Group B born 2016, and Group C born 2017 or later. Entries close 29 Oct 2026 and go through the school.
- HKSSF Secondary: A born 2008 or later, B1 born 2011 or later, B2 born 2012 or later, and C born 2013 or later.
- District age-group events: U8 born 2018 or later, U10 born 2016 or later, U12 born 2014 or later, and U15 born 2011 or later. U8 and U10 use a size 0 blade.
- HKFA U14: 14 or under during the season.
Equipment Checklist (HKFA rules)
- A 350N mask with 2 safety devices, a 350N uniform, and an 800N under-plastron for every fencer
- A chest protector for girls and for all U14 fencers
- All gear must get a PASS stamp at weapon control
- At least 2 weapons, 2 body cords and a spare glove
- An HKSSF e-card or HKID for school events
The Competiton Pathway
1. Train regularly in the class for your child's age: BB (3.5–5), Petite (6–8), Musketeer (9–12) or Teenager (13+).
2. Fence first bouts at our in-house Master Star competition.
3. Move on to club and district age-group events.
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4. Enter school competitions (HKSSF or ISSFHK) through your school.
5. Register with HKFA, then compete in U14 and age-group championships
Coach Lau’s advice is to talk about readiness with your coach first, because growth matters more than medals..
FAQ
常見問題
What age can my child start competing?
Beginners can start at Master Star. District events start at U8, which in 2026 means born 2018 or later.
Does my child need HKFA membership?
Yes for HKFA championships, along with an HKID or HK birth certificate. School events need an HKSSF card from the school.
How do we enter HKSSF competitions?
Only through your school. Schools may hold a selection or go by the coach's recommendation.
What happens on competition day?
Fencers first fence pool bouts to 5 touches in 3 minutes, then direct elimination bouts to 10 touches. Expect a long day, so bring food and water.
What if my child loses?
That's normal, and every bout is learning. Your coach will plan the next steps with you.