The Beginner Class is the foundation of the club, and where you land after finishing the Intro class. It’s our core ongoing group class, and most of our fencers are here.
See the current class schedule for days and times, and our pricing and registration page for current rates.
What We Cover
This class follows a standard curriculum that rotates on a regular interval, covering the core concepts of fencing: technique, vocabulary, tactics, drilling and plenty of bouting. Classes focus on a single weapon, foil or epee, and you’ll normally continue in whichever weapon you took your Intro class in. Sticking with one weapon while you build the fundamentals is the fastest way to progress — once those are solid, you’re welcome to try the other or switch to it. Talk to a coach if you’re thinking about it.
Because the curriculum loops, missing a class is never a problem — we’ll come back to it. The material is also designed to be additive, so even if you’ve covered a topic before, you should get something new out of it each time.
How Long Do I Stay?
As long as you like. Some fencers move up after a few months; others stay for a year or more. Fencers who enjoy fencing but aren’t looking to compete are welcome to stay in this class indefinitely — plenty do, and they’re a core part of the club.
Once you’ve got some fundamentals, we’d encourage you to start attending open fencing as well. Class teaches the skills; open fencing is where you use them under real pressure, and it’s the fastest way to improve. You’ll need your own electric gear for that.
Getting Your Own Gear
After three months in the Beginner class, we’ll take 50% off your next three months of membership if you let us help you buy a starter fencing kit from Absolute Fencing, a trusted supplier. We’ll handle sizing and ordering.
Owning your own gear fits better, is more hygienic, and tends to be the point where fencing really clicks. It’s also what opens up open fencing and, later on, competition. If buying equipment would be a barrier, please reach out to a coach — we offer scholarships and a sliding scale, and we’d rather help than lose you.
Moving Up to Intermediate
When you’re ready to move on to the Intermediate class, you’ll pass a skills-check lesson — a one-on-one assessment where you demonstrate the core fencing actions from memory, without assistance. The bar is competency, not polish. We publish a reference curriculum of exactly which actions it covers, so you know what to work toward; ask a coach for a copy.
Private lessons are also available at any level and are the fastest way to get there.