A beginner class listens to the instructor.

Your fencing adventure starts here!

Learn to fence, have fun and meet new friends! Discover the fundamentals and traditions of one of the oldest Olympic sports in our beginner fencing classes, then apply those fundamentals 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.

Beginner Fencing Class: Level 1

Level 1 classes are intended for those who have never fenced before, or who have taken an Introductory Class. 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 1 classes starting the Tuesday and Saturday after that.

Students will learn:
  • the history of fencing as an Olympic sport
  • safety rules and fencing etiquette
  • proper en garde stance and basic footwork
  • how to execute simple attacks
  • how to defend against simple attacks
Class Schedule
  • Option 1:  Tuesdays
    • 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    • Instructor: Meredith Powers
  • Option 2:  Saturdays
    • 9:00 am – 10:00 am
    • Instructor: Varies
Student Requirements
  • No previous fencing experience is required.
  • Students should be at least 11 years old. Younger students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis upon successful completion of the Youth Conditioning Class, contact us for details.
  • Current USA Fencing Membership

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 Beginner Level 2 Class.

Upcoming Classes:
Beginner Level 1

Tuesday January 7

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Beginner Level 1 Class

Saturday January 11

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Beginner Level 1 Class

Reserve your spot today

Sign Up

Beginner Fencing Class: Level 2

Level 2 classes are intended for those who have completed our Beginner Level 1 class, or have had some basic fencing training in the past. 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 Tuesday and Saturday after that.

Students will learn:
  • smoother footwork/better distance control
  • how to string together attacks to deceive an opponent’s defense
  • how to defend against complex attacks
Class Schedule
  • Option 1:  Tuesdays
    • 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
    • Instructor: Meredith Powers
  • Option 2:  Saturdays
    • 10:00 am – 11:00 am
    • Instructor: Varies
Student Requirements
  • Some previous fencing experience is required. This requirement may be satisfied by completing our Beginner Level 1 class, or with the equivalent level of experience from another club.
  • Students should be at least 11 years old. Younger students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis upon successful completion of the Youth Conditioning Class, contact us for details.
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:
Beginner Level 2

Tuesday January 7

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Beginner Level 2 Class

Saturday January 11

10:00 am – 11:00 am

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.