Fencing? Ask Questions!

What’s a fencing class like?

Fencing classes are typically comprised of four parts:

WARM-UP, either a game or a set of dynamic exercises, to develop athleticism, prevent injury, and prepare our bodies for work.

FOOTWORK, where the students practice their ability to control the distance between themselves and their opponents. Footwork practice emphasizes coordination and balance and is essential for beginners and Olympians alike.

BLADEWORK, where the students put on their protective equipment and practice with the blades. Students work with partners to create either cooperative situations, where they help each other practice-specific offensive or defensive techniques, or competitive situations, where they practice those same skills against resisting opponents.

BOUTING, where students apply what they’ve learned in the class by free-fencing (supervised sparring) with their fellow classmates.

At the beginning of each class, we will often take a moment to sit in a circle and welcome new fencers, learn the names of our classmates, and lay out a plan for the day. We close class with a group salute, a traditional way to express our gratitude for our partners, coaches, and parents.

What do I need to know for my first class?

Not much! Bring a pair of clean indoor athletic shoes and wear athletic clothing you can move in (no jeans).

Plan to come ten minutes early so that there will be time to meet the coach, fill out a waiver if you haven’t already submitted one digitally, and get a few pointers before you jump into class.

Other things you could bring if you like:

1. A friend (so you can stab them)

2. An enemy (see above)

3. A water bottle

4. Face mask (optional)

What does a new fencer’s path look like?

Here’s an outline of how our youth program flows:

INTRO LESSON PACKAGE

Please email us to start your Intro Lesson Package. All equipment provided.

WHITE TIER

Back for more? Youth fencers in our White Tier come to one 1-hour class per week, learning fencing fundamentals.

PURPLE TIER

Not enough? Practicing just once per week makes anything difficult to learn, so youth fencers in our Purple Tier begin coming to a second class to make more rapid progress. Fencers in this stage will begin accumulating their own kit of protective gear, and may even begin taking private lessons with a coach to help develop their personal fencing style.