FAQ

Getting Started

  • We teach kids and teens ages 6 to 17. Children 6–11 start in our Youth Beginner class, and fencers 12 and up with no experience can join the Intermediate class.

  • No. Most of our students had never held a sabre before their first class. Coaches start with footwork, games and basic moves, and place each child with kids at a similar level.

  • Fill out the free trial form, select the class & time that works for your child and then select a day to come in. Once we have that you’ll receive a confirmation email from us. After the trial, the coach will tell you which class fits your child best.

  • Comfortable athletic clothes, long pants or leggings, clean sneakers and a water bottle. We provide all the protective equipment for the trial.

  • See our Classes page for the full schedule. Not sure? Book a free trial and the coach will recommend one.

Safety &

Equipment

  • Yes. Fencers wear a mask, a padded jacket and a glove, and every bout is supervised by a coach. Fencing has one of the lowest injury rates among youth sports. The most common issues are minor bruises and the muscle soreness you'd expect from any sport.

  • Fencing has three weapons: foil, épée and sabre. All our classes are sabre, the fastest of the three. Fencers score by touching the opponent above the waist with the blade's edge or tip.

  • Not right away. We provide equipment for kids to use in class, so your child can start fencing without buying anything. If you'd prefer your own gear, we're happy to recommend what to get and help you purchase it, including choosing the right sizes.

    Once they start competing they will need their own equipment.

Classes & Schedule

  • Beginners usually come one or two times a week. Students in our competitive classes train more often, and regular attendance is expected.

  • See our Pricing page for class packages and memberships. Your first class is free.

  • Yes, we have a seating area for parents to watch

  • Yes. One-on-one lessons are available for any age and level. Call 203-807-5864 to book.

Competing

    1. Tell the coach. Let your child's coach know they're interested in competing. The coach will look at where your child is now and what to work on next.

    2. Start private lessons. Taking private lessons is essential to start competing, and all of our competitive fencers should be taking them. We can't say this enough. One-on-one lessons are the absolute norm at every competitive fencing club in the world, and we aim to compete with all of these major clubs.

    3. Move into competitive training. Fencers 11 and under join our Intermediate class when their coach invites them. Fencers 12 and up train in the Advance Class, where coaches tailor the work to competition goals.

    4. Train consistently. Regular attendance is what builds tournament-ready skills.

    5. Get set up. Sign up for a USA Fencing competitive membership and get electric scoring gear. We'll tell you exactly what to buy and help you get the right sizes.

    6. Enter a first tournament. The coach will recommend a local, beginner-friendly event and help you register.

  • Many students fence for fitness, focus and fun. Kids who want to compete can move into competitive training when their coach feels they are ready.

  • It can. Fencing is an NCAA sport at many colleges, and our Advanced class prepares fencers who want to compete at that level.

  • Their coach will let you know. Readiness depends on solid footwork and technique, understanding the rules, and training regularly, not on age alone. When a coach feels a fencer is ready, they'll suggest a first tournament that fits their level.

  • Most fencers start with local tournaments in Connecticut and nearby states, which are a friendly way to get experience. You can find upcoming local tournaments on AskFRED. From there, fencers can move up to regional events and then national tournaments run by USA Fencing, including Summer Nationals

  • Fencers need a USA Fencing competitive membership for most tournaments. Competition also requires their own equipment. We'll help you get exactly what's needed when the time comes.