2023-2024 Classes

Class Details for September 5, 2023- June 27, 2024

Jedi Beginner ages 7-10 and Level I for Ages 6-9 Tuesdays 4:30-5:30

Brand new beginners and Level I are welcome. We will start with plastic epees to learn basic form and distance and transition to metal super light weight epees as soon as all the kids are ready. For our youngest and smallest fencers. This will be a fun introduction to all things fencing. When we transition to metal epees, parent and child have the opportunity to learn to build and repair an epee, learning craftsmanship and electronics 101, resulting in their own beautiful and super light weight functioning epee. With games, drills, and plenty of time for fencing and play, kids learn good sportsmanship; fencing skills, coordination, flexibility, distance, and timing; plus how to be a good training partner. Parents are welcomed but not required to take part or to assist with kids as they learn how to use fencing equipment and protective gear.

Level I/II for ages 9-13 Mondays 4:00-5:00 and/or Wednesdays 4:30-5:30

For young fencers and smaller young teens. Have fun learning the basics of fencing: distance, footwork, bladework, coordination, and flexibility. Classes are generally 60 minutes. The class is oriented to the needs of the children with adults both learning and playing a supporting role. Parents are welcomed but not required to take part or to assist with kids as they learn how to hook up body cords.

Brand new beginners start with the beginner package of classes and two private lessons/month for 1-2 months or in the Jedi beginner class or a beginner camp.

These classes are designed to teach how to both win and lose with grace - creating a fencing team that looks out for each other. We will work on technical skills, timing, strategy, endurance, speed, the mental game, and flexibility. Students will begin the lifelong process of learning how to become effective coaches and training partners for themselves and their teammates.

Beginner and Level I for Ages 11-17 Mondays 5:00-6:00

Classes emphasize the foundational fencing skills and tactics to help fencers learn or refine their distance, footwork and blade actions. There is no experience required to be in this class and even the most advanced fencers return to finesse their basic form from time to time. Fencers will learn all the skills needed to fence safely and all equipment is provided for beginners. Brand new beginners will start with the Beginner package of weekly classes and two to four private lessons that can be renewed for a second month before joining with a once a week or standard membership. Competitive 10-11 year old fencers may join this class to have a variety of fencers to train with. Smaller beginner 11-13 year olds may prefer to be in the classes for ages 9-13.

Tuesday Teen Epee - ages 13-19 Level I-II Tuesdays 5:30-6:30

For teen fencers of all skill levels above beginner level. The Tuesday 5:30 class is designed for those teens who wish to fence recreationally. Competitive fencers who wish to have another hour each week and a variety of others to fence and train with also join these classes. Teen fencers who have fenced less than a year will be happiest in these classes if fencing twice a week. Fencers ages 15 and older who wish more fencing each week are welcome to also fence in Wednesday or Thursday 6:30-8:00 evening classes.

Evening Epee Ages 15+ Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 6:30

Instruction and fencing time. Tuesday classes incorporate beginner and level I adults. Brand new adult beginners select the beginner package of Tuesday classes and 4 private lessons/month and may renew the beginner membership for a second month before choosing the once a week or standard membership (or join Thursday 5:30 beginner MSU classes). Classes include MSU, comp, or teen fencers who wish more training days and a variety of others to fence. Wednesday is generally a combination of drills and bouting and Thursday classes are often more open bouting and less class format and are designed for 15-25 year old fencers and also welcome older adults who wish to play. Adult fencers who wish to compete regularly or train more are welcome to join the comp classes in addition to the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday classes. We usually fence until 7:30-8:30.

MSU Epee

Instruction and fencing time for MSU fencing club and teen, comp, and adult BFA fencers, these classes are geared to the 15-25 age group and welcome older fencers who wish to play. Beginner MSU fencers are Thursdays 5:30-6:30. Level I/II MSU fencers fence Wednesday and Thursdays 6:30-8:00. MSU fencers may join Tuesday classes for a discounted membership fee and MSU comp fencers join BFA Monday comp classes and private lessons accordingly.

Competition Epee Training (Requires BFA Comp Membership)

Mondays 6:00-8:00 group class, Tuesdays 5:30-8:00, Wednesdays and Thursdays 6:30-8:00

ages 15-adult

Competition Training Classes are not always in class format, they are often fencer led drills, collaborative coaching, open bouting, and/or a footwork/strengthening session or themed bouting in lieu of a group format classes. This kind of training requires each fencer to be invested in learning and working and we’ve found that it nets the fastest levels of improvement. Periodically these training sessions will be in a class format to introduce new drills to all or to catch newer fencers up to speed. Prior to bigger tournaments, classes will have fewer drills and be more strategic bouting with strip coaching. We also incorporate the mental game of fencing into our classes.

Although there is not a specific skill level required to be part of comp classes, all comp fencers are expected to be fencing 4 hours most weeks and all comp fencers are expected to train and encourage the training of others with a positive attitude.

By using fencer led drills, we increase our ability to analyze ourselves and an opponent and formulate a response when competing. We learn better when and why things work and when and why they don’t. We develop confidence and teaching skills. By using collaborative coaching, we improve the skills of our teammates to the best of our ability which provides us with a higher level of local competition, strengthening all of our fencers.

When we teach what we know, we all rise together.

Private or PoD Lessons for BFA Fencers are included in several of the membership options

Private (or semi-private) lessons are the most effective way to personalize your learning, allowing you to progress fastest and at your own pace. Private lessons can be worked around your schedule to some degree.

Fencers are expected to have warmed up and stretched prior to 30 minute lessons. Effective warm-ups can be covered in the first several lesson.

Lesson fees include use of some club equipment until you are able to purchase your own higher level equipment.

The cost for a private lesson is $30/ half hour or $60 for a full hour. There is also a $105 annual registration fee.
The cost for the first 4 beginner private lessons is $50 for an hour for one fencer. Cost/lesson/person is less for more fencers