New to fencing? This is where you begin. One of our main goals at Fencing Club of Asheville is to spread our love of the sport in Western North Carolina. We are excited to teach beginners of all ages (10 and above) and every level of athletic ability.
Our Intro Class is a one month cycle, and new fencers start the first week of every month. We can give first-time students a better experience when they all start together at the beginning of a cycle. See the current class schedule for days and times.
To register, email us at FencingClubAsheville@gmail.com and let us know which day you’d prefer to attend.
The Basics
Who: Ages 10 to 99, and everyone is welcome regardless of athletic ability. We are not able to take children 9 and younger. While kids can start fencing quite young, we can’t provide a good and safe experience for children under 10, so they’ll need to wait until they turn 10.
Where: Our club at 457B N. Louisiana Ave., Asheville, NC 28806. See our location page for a map and parking.
Cost: Your first class is free. Please come try fencing. After that, the Intro class is covered by a Class Membership, and all equipment is provided. See our pricing and registration page for current rates.
Paperwork: Please complete the USA Fencing Trial Membership online (it’s free) and email the membership card to FencingClubAsheville@gmail.com. If any of these links change, the newest versions are on the USA Fencing website.
What to Wear and Bring
Bring nothing but yourself and a water bottle. We provide all the fencing equipment you need to get started, including mask, jacket, glove and weapon. We have a fountain, but you’ll be much happier with your own water in the gym.
Shoes: Clean indoor athletic shoes — basketball, tennis, volleyball or indoor soccer shoes work well. Avoid black soles, cleats, and anything that might mark the floor. No boots, hiking shoes or sandals of any kind, including sport sandals.
Clothing: Athletic apparel you can sweat in — sweatpants or warm-ups are ideal. Shorts must be worn with knee-high socks. Avoid jeans or other pants that don’t stretch, as well as very loose pants that could snag a blade. Tie back long hair. Women and girls should wear an athletic bra in order to use either type of provided chest protector.
Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to get geared up before class starts.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Fencing has one of the best safety records in sport. Every fencer wears protective equipment, and coaches teach safe habits from day one: no fencing without a mask, blades down when not fencing, and salute and shake hands before and after every bout.
How We Teach
Fencing is traditionally taught in as boring a manner as possible. At Fencing Club of Asheville we’re part of a movement in modern fencing that is convinced this doesn’t actually produce better fencers who can win at tournaments. We want your very first class to be FUN! Beginners learn to use the sword and hit people in their very first class. You’ll line up against a real opponent in your second class. That involves being hit, so safety gear in your size is provided.
We run beginner classes on two nights a week, one for foil and one for epee. Pick whichever night suits your schedule — the basics are almost identical, so you won’t be behind either way. Later on, once you’ve got the fundamentals, you’re welcome to try the other weapon or switch to it full time.
After the Intro Class
The Intro class runs about four to five weeks. After that, most fencers move into our Beginner Class, the ongoing class where the real foundation gets built. From there the path continues through open fencing, private lessons, our Intermediate class, and competition if you want it. See your path through fencing for the full picture.
Questions? Email FencingClubAsheville@gmail.com or call Bren at 301-537-0211. We love talking to new people about fencing!