Level 1 Classes

A month-long introduction to the sport of fencing, Level 1 classes cover basic footwork and bladework in preparation for the Level 2 class.

Level 2 Classes

For fencers who have completed Level 1 or have recently taken a summer camp. Focus is on technique and tactics, and their application in bouting situations. Most students can expect to be at this level for roughly a year.

Level 3 Classes

For recreational fencers and those working their way up to the competitive classes. Students should have a solid foundation of the techniques and tactics covered in Level 2. Focus is on execution, tactics, rules, refereeing, and bouting. The 6:30 Junior class is designed to be a more competition-oriented class.

Enrollment in the Epee class requires previous foil experience, but no prior epee experience is necessary. Enrollment in all other Level 3-5 classes is by instructor permission only.

Level 4 Classes

For competitive fencers. Students in this class must be taking lessons and competing regularly at tournaments recommended by their coach. Level 4 students should be able to apply their technical and tactical skills in bouting situations and should be working towards competing at regional and national tournaments. Sports psychology clinics will be available to Level 4 students.

Level 5 Classes

Nationally competitive fencers rated C and higher can enroll in these classes with the coaches’ recommendation. These classes are part of a comprehensive program that includes conditioning, sports psychology clinics and lessons to prepare students for successful competitive results at the national level.

Peewee Kids Foil

An introductory half-hour class for ages 5-7 including fun games, exercise, and fencing with plastic foils.

Open Fencing

We have open fencing practice times available 3 nights a week. Private lessons are typically given during open fencing.

Complete Class and Open Fencing Schedule

Classes are ongoing and payment is made monthly. We accept new beginners every other month -- in September, November, January, March, and May. The Level 1 Kids and Junior classes switch days at the start of every new session. Students who have fenced before may join a class at the beginning of any month.

New beginning students progress through the basics quickly, so full attendance is important. Beginners who miss more than one class during the first two weeks will need to wait until the next beginning session to start. After the first month of Level 1 classes, students may continue in a Level 2 class.

We offer group classes in foil and epee. We accept beginners in our foil classes. For the Level 3 epee class, students should have several months of fencing experience or instructor approval. We teach sabre with individual lessons.

We provide fencing equipment to students in classes. Students should wear long pants or sweat pants, a T-shirt and clean athletic shoes (no street shoes). Slip-on "athletic-style" shoes do not provide enough lateral support and are unsuitable for fencing. Fencing pants are recommended for epee classes.

Adult Classes

Our Level 1 adult class meets Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30. We start new beginning adult sessions in the same months as our other beginner classes -- September, November, January, March, and May.

After the Level 1 session, adult students may join our Level 2 Adult Foil class, which meets at the same time.

Ages and Skill Levels

The age ranges for our classes (listed in the table above) are approximations based on typical student sizes and maturity levels. Coaches may recommend a different class for some students.

Upon instructor approval, students who wish to get involved in competition can progress to the Level 3, 4, and 5 classes, individual lessons and open fencing. Students typically take the Level 2 class for approximately a year before they are ready to move to a higher level.

If you have questions about which class your child should join, contact us by email or call us at (425) 747-6300.

Class Registration

To sign up for any of our classes, visit our Class Registration page.

Fees and Payments

The fee for all group classes is $130 per month. The exact number of classes will vary depending on what day of the week the month starts, month length, and holidays. Because of holiday and end-of-season closures, December and June are short months, and the fee is $80.

Students enrolled in a class are welcome to participate in open fencing times for free. Fencers not enrolled in class pay $75/month. Outside of class times, electrical fencing equipment can be rented for $25/month.

Class payments are due by the 10th of the month. Payments received after the 10th are subject to a $10 late fee. Students with unpaid balances will not be permitted to participate in class. We can set up automatic credit card billing for classes, lessons, and other charges.

Session Start Dates

The following are start dates for our class sessions through the entire 2011-2012 season.

• September 6th (Tuesday)
• October 3rd (Monday)
• November 1st (Tuesday)
• December 1st (Thursday) (short month, $80)
• January 9th (Monday)
• February 1st (Wednesday)
• March 1st (Thursday)
• April 2nd (Monday)
• May 1st (Tuesday)
• June 4th (Monday) (short month, $80)

There will be no classes on Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Memorial Day, or during the three weeks around Christmas and New Year's Day. We are open during all other school breaks and holidays throughout the school year.

School and Corporate Classes

We also teach fencing as part of school curricula for local K-12 schools, for physical education, history, or extracurricular activity, and as a corporate activity. If your school or company would like to start a fencing class (regular or one-time) taught at our facility, send us email to discuss scheduling and fees.