Our Fencing Classes and Training Programs

Our fencing trainings & classes include the warm-ups and stretching exercises, games for agility, speed and coordination, footwork, basic partner drills, and bouting.

Beginner's class - introduction to Olympic Fencing

The Beginner's Fencing program is designed for those who have never tried fencing before. In approximately 16 classes you will learn how to move like modern fencers do, how to handle the epee, how to score a touch, and how to use the epee to protect yourself from opponents attack.

With youth fencers, the classes focus on agility, coordination, focus, learning to win graciously and lose (which sometimes happen to most of us) with dignity. Youth fencers quickly adopt the full range of basic skills - direct and feint attacks, lunge, balestra, and so-much-fun-to-do running attack a.k.a. fleche.
Junior and Adult beginners focus on getting in shape, improving eye-hand and hand-foot coordination, and improving overall strength, while learning fencing basics. Most beginners see a tremendous improvement in muscular and cardio-vascular systems function.

Beginners at Delta Fencing Center enjoy the use of club's equipment - fencing weapons, protective gear, and electronic scoring equipment in every class. Every beginner receives a free fencing glove with their name printed on the cuff, as our "welcome to the sport".

Intermediate Fencing - Basic Fencing Skills Training

Intermediate-level trainings are designed for those who have completed the introductory 8-weeks program. This 16-weeks course focuses on integrating basic skills and using them in fencing bouts. You should expect to fence at every training session. At this point of your fencing development you may consider purchasing some of your own fencing gear, and we will gladly help you to make appropriate selection; you are still welcome, however, to use club's equipment.

Intermediate-level fencers receive a complimentary private lesson (one-on-one with the coach) once a month. At this level the lessons are meant to give you personal attention, correcting little things that are difficult to address in class, and they focus on bladework skills. Coach in return gets a chance to learn about your habits, likes, and difficulties, and can tailor private lessons specifically for you.

Competitive Fencing Training

Competitive training program is designed for those with high-performance and competitive fencing in mind. The trainings increase the development of technical skills, and work on developing observation and tactical approach to fencing actions, to fencing bout, and to competition as a whole.

Competitive members may join any class or training session for their age group. They may also attend any technical or guest-coach group training session, free of charge. Competetive members have the privilege to wear a club emblem on their fencing jacket, and the privilege to represent the Delta Fencing Center in USFA-sanctioned competitions.

Competitive members own (and must bring to all trainings and competitions) complete fencing uniform, at least three weapons and three body cords, and at least the basic weapon- and uniform-repair kit. Competitive members are required to maintain training, lesson, and competition log and note book. Competitive members must maintain their USFA membership, and declare Delta Fencing Center as their primary fencing club for the current competitive season.

Recreational Fencing

Recreational program is designed for advanced-level fencers who have no time available for competitive training, or have less regular schedule. We welcome recreational members to all trainings and to selected classes in their age group, either once or twice a week, under the same conditions that beginner- and intermediate-level members enjoy. Recreational fencers may use club's weapons and protective equipment at every training. Recreational members may rent club's fencing equipment for competitions or athletic events for a fee, with Head Coach's written approval.

Private Lessons

The lessons are are one-on-one sessions with the coach. They focus on all aspects of fencing, from honing bladework skills, developing action sequence, tactical training, video performance review and mental aspects of the game. Coach in return gets a chance to learn about your habits, likes, and difficulties. Your coach tailors private lessons specifically for you, with you.

A private lesson normally takes 20 minutes. For younger fencers, the private lesson is shorter, ranging from 8-15 minutes, depending primarily on their physical endurance and attention span.

Scheduling a private lesson: the private lessons take place in the time slots marked black on the schedule (the coach wears black protective gear, therefore the black color in schedule). To schedule the lesson, e-mail, call, or talk to us before or after a class.

Coming for a private lesson: at the time for your lesson, you should be warmed up, stretched, and completely dressed for fencing (including shoes tied, wearing knee-high socks, protective cup if you are a boy, chest protector – all females and boys under 10, underarm plastron, jacket, body cord, mask, glove). Bring two weapons and a waterbottle.

Missing a private lesson: please note that, when you schedule a private lesson, your coach reserves that time slot, and his/her time, exclusively for you. If you have a scheduling conflicts that affects your ability to come to the private lesson on time, please let your coach know as soon as you can. Lessons that are not cancelled 24 hours in advance, or those that leave your coach on the strip, waiting for you, will be charged as if the lesson took place.
To get the most of your private lessons, please have a lesson notebook in which you can write down your notes, observations, and the questions for your coach.