95 Years of Fencing, Community, and Purpose

As we close our 95th year, I find myself reflecting not only on how long this club has existed, but on why it has endured.

Founded in 1930 under the names Montreal Fencing Club and Cercle d’Escrime Montréal, our club has grown, evolved, and today proudly stands as Escrime Mont-Royal. Through generations of fencers, coaches, and volunteers, one thing has remained constant: a deep respect for fencing itself and for the people who choose to practice it.

We are incredibly proud of what EMR has become and of the role it continues to play in Quebec’s fencing culture. I would like to sincerely thank the Fédération d’escrime du Québec (FEQ) for its continued support of our club and for the work it does to develop and sustain fencing across the province.

Our history is also deeply tied to our partnership with the City of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, which has supported our mission for over 55 years. Our beautiful, permanent salle d’armes exists because of this long-standing collaboration, and it remains a cornerstone of our community and identity.

This 95th year also gave us the opportunity to rejuvenate the club. We took the time to declutter, refresh our space with new paint, install new fencing strips, upgrade our fencing equipment, and modernize our scoring systems. These investments were made with clear intention — to care for the club and give it the attention and love it deserves, both now and for the generations to come.

Above all, as we mark this milestone, I want to thank all our members — past and present. You are what make this club unique. In a sport where competition is both important and meaningful, EMR has always believed in practicing fencing for healthy reasons — whether that purpose is competition, personal challenge, connection, or a simple love of the sport. When fencing is approached with care and intention, progression follows naturally, regardless of the goals or path one chooses.

Having spent half of my life at this club, I can say with certainty that I have never been more proud to be part of Escrime Mont-Royal, nor more confident in its current leadership and direction — a leadership that has worked thoughtfully to protect the club’s integrity, make difficult but necessary decisions, and ensure that EMR remains a positive and healthy environment for those who truly wish to be part of it.

I look forward to seeing EMR continue to grow, and to seeing fencing in Quebec grow alongside it.

Escrime Mont-Royal will always be a safe and welcoming place for all those who wish to make fencing the best sport it can be. We stand for creating, nurturing, and amplifying the passion, skills, and abilities of fencers, at every stage of their journey.

Let us forge ahead together — toward a century and beyond — of our beloved club.

With pride,

Jason Harel

Head Coach

Escrime Mont-Royal