2024-2025 Classes

Class details for September 3-June 27

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

Brand new beginners and Level I are welcome. For our youngest and smallest newer fencers. This will be a fun introduction to all things fencing. As kids 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. At the start of the school year, brand new fencers 10 and under can join directly into the Tuesday 4:30 classes. As the school year progresses, some of the older, bigger, or more advanced kids will shift into Monday and/or Thursday 4:30 classes and brand new beginners starting later in the season will generally be happiest taking 1-4 private lessons before joining group classes.

Level I/II for ages 10-13 Mondays 4:30-5:30 and/or Thursdays 4:30-5:30

For young fencers and smaller young teens ages 10-13 including the most advanced 8-9 year olds. 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 several beginner private lessons and smaller/younger fencers may join the beginner class for 6-9 year olds before joining these classes.

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.

Teen Fencers for ages 12-17 Mondays 5:30-6:30

For teen fencers of all abilities, this class is geared for level I fencers. Learn the basics of fencing: distance, footwork, bladework, coordination, and flexibility in a fun environment. Classes are 60 minutes.

Brand new beginners most often start with 1-5 beginner private lessons and some smaller/younger teens may join the Monday/Thursday 4:30 classes before joining these classes.

This is the entry level class for teens and this group usually creates a personality of its own. Comp fencers will join this group now and again to add variety in fencing partners. Some fencers will graduate from this class to join the comp fencers and some fencers choose to stay and fence with this group for years, happy fencing recreationally one day a week. 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.

Tuesday and Wednesday Epee - ages 15-adult Level I-II Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5:30

For older teen and adult fencers of all skill levels above beginner level. The 5:30 classes are designed for older teens and adults who wish to fence recreationally and they also flows smootly into the 6:30 competitive classes Fencers are welcome to stay as long into the evening as they are learning and happy fencing. Teen fencers who have fenced less than a year will be happiest in these classes if fencing twice a week.

MSU Epee

MSU students are welcome to join BFA classes. Talk to Mich about discounted class fees if needed.

Competition Epee Training

Mondays 6:30-8:00, Tuesdays 5:30-8:00, Wednesdays 5:30-8:00, and Thursdays 5:30 open footwork and strength training and 6:30-8:00 open bouting

ages 13-adult

Competition Training Classes are not always in class format, sometimes they are fencer led drills, collaborative coaching, open bouting, and/or footwork/strengthening sessions or themed bouting. 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. 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. The structured classes will move from technical or timing drills into tactical drills as the evening progresses.

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 working as coach and student, 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

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 lessons.

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. Cost for semi-privates depends on number of fencers.