Adult beginner fencing classes

Learn to fence, have fun and meet new friends! At Tidewater Fencing Club’s beginner fencing classes for adults, you’ll learn all the fundamentals of one of the oldest Olympic sports, then get to apply them in freestyle bouting (sparring) with other beginners.

Fencing is a great workout, so be sure to wear clothing appropriate for athletic activity, such as tennis shoes, long athletic pants, and a t-shirt. All protective equipment and fencing weapons will be provided at no charge for student use during class.

Adult Beginner Fencing Class: Level 1

Level 1 classes are intended for those who have never fenced before, or who have taken an Introductory Class. The Adult classes are for age 18+ and focus on the epee weapon. Class sessions are held once a week for four weeks.

THE CLUB MONTHLY SCHEDULE BEGINS ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, with Level 1 classes starting the Saturday after that.

Students will learn:
  • safety rules and fencing etiquette
  • proper en garde stance and basic footwork
  • valid target and method of scoring in epee
  • how to execute simple attacks
  • how to defend against simple attacks
Class Schedule
  • Saturdays, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Instructor: Tim Vincent
Student Requirements
  • No previous fencing experience is required.
  • Participants should be at least 18 years old. Younger students should take our Beginner Foil classes.
  • All participants must be members of USA Fencing. This can be satisfied by filling out a free USA Fencing Trial Membership Application.
Class Pricing
  • $100/month for an individual
  • additional family members can be added at a 50% discount
  • Military discount:  $10 off per month (limit one per family, NOT applicable to additional family members)
Next Steps

Upon instructor approval, students may enroll in the next available Adult Beginner Level 2 Class.

Upcoming Classes:
Adult Beginner 1

Saturday December 7

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Adult Beginner Level 1 Class

Reserve your spot today

Sign Up

Adult Beginner Fencing Class: Level 2

Level 2 classes are intended for those who have completed our Adult Beginner Level 1 class, or have had some basic fencing training in the past. The Adult classes are for age 18+ and focus on the epee weapon. Class sessions are held once a week for four weeks, and THE CLUB MONTHLY SCHEDULE BEGINS ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, with Level 2 classes starting the Saturday after that.

Students will learn:
  • smoother footwork/better distance control
  • how to string together attacks to deceive an opponents defense
  • how to defend against complex attacks
Class Schedule
  • Saturdays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Instructor: Tim Vincent
Student Requirements
  • Some previous fencing experience is required. This requirement may be satisfied by completing our Adult Beginner Level 1 class, or with the equivalent level of experience from another club.
  • Participants should be at least 18 years old. Younger students should take our Beginner Foil classes.
  • All participants must be members of USA Fencing. This can be satisfied by filling out a free USA Fencing Trial Membership Application.
Class Pricing
  • $100/month for an individual
  • additional family members can be added at a 50% discount
  • Military discount:  $10 off per month (limit one per family, NOT applicable to additional family members)
Next Steps

Upon instructor approval, students may become full members of Tidewater Fencing Club to fence with other members and start taking Intermediate Classes to continue their fencing training and aid the transition from beginner to club member.

Upcoming Classes:
Adult Beginner 2

Saturday December 7

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Adult Beginner Level 2 Class

Reserve your spot today

Sign Up

USA Fencing Membership

Tidewater Fencing Club is a proud member club of USA Fencing. In order to fulfill insurance requirements, all of our students and club members are required to be current members of USA Fencing. This can be satisfied by filling out a USA Fencing Trial Membership Application. This trial membership is valid for 90 consecutive days following the date of signing. Please screenshot or print out a copy of the filled-out form to show us at your first class session.

After the 90 day trial period ends, all participants will need, at minimum, a USA Fencing “Access” membership, which is $29 per fencer, per season. Seasons run August through July.