2023-2024 Classes
Class Details for September 5, 2023- June 27, 2024
Beginner ages 6-10 and Level I for Ages 6-9 Tuesdays 4:30-5:30
Brand new beginners and Level I are welcome. The Thursday class 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. Tuesday classes are more advanced, fencing with metal epees. 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. Brand new beginners can start directly into the Thursday class. 8-10 year old new beginners will start with several private lessons and can transition directly into the Tuesday class or possibly Monday classes.
Level I/II for ages 10-14 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 several beginner private lessons and smaller/younger fencers may join the beginner class for 7-9 yaar 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.
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 two to four private lessons 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 11-14 year olds may prefer to be in the classes for ages 10-14.
Tuesday Epee - ages 13-adult Level I-II Tuesdays 5:30
For teen and adult fencers of all skill levels above beginner level. The Tuesday 5:30 class is designed for those teens and adults 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 Tuesday, Wednesday, and/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 and older teens. Brand new beginners start with beginner private lessons before choosing the once a week or standard membership. Tuesday classes begin with the basic material and progress over the course of the 2.5 hour session to more complex drills. All fencers are encouraged to show up for the 5:30 start time to help newer fencers and to gain the most out of the more complex drills.
Wednesday is generally a combination of drills and bouting.
Thursday classes are often more open bouting and less class format and are designed for ages 15-adult who wish to play. We usually fence until 8:00-8:30. Private lessons are scheduled during this time. All fencers are encouraged to come to classes with training drills and/or private lessons in addition to open fencing time. Visiting fencers are welcome. Fencers are encouraged to show up at 5:30 to work on footwork or strengthening.
MSU Epee
MSU students are welcome to join BFA classes. Talk to Mich about discounted class fees if needed.
Competition Epee Training (Requires BFA Comp Membership)
Mondays 6:00-8:00 group class plus 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
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.
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