... Where Beginners Learn the Fundamentals of Sabre Fencing

Our beginner classes introduce new fencers to the Olympic sport of fencing. A fencer's first steps on the fencing strip are the most important ones they will ever take in the sport. Our unique teaching methods have produced national champions, NCAA champions, world champions, and Olympians. Zeta Fencing's approach to teaching follows these principles:

• Age-appropriate teaching: We offer three separate classes for different youth age groups since our coaches adapt their teaching style to the age and maturity of their students to keep them engaged and challenged appropriately at all times. Regardless of the age group, all classes are taught with “real,” Olympic-style fencing weapons and uniforms.
• Small groups: We limit all class sizes to 12 students to guarantee that every students receives the individual attention needed to learn the complex sport of fencing.
• 90-minute classes: Our classes last 90 minutes because new fencers have to develop various, very different skill sets. We take the time to work on agility and fitness, footwork, bladework, and bouting strategies in every class to develop competent, healthy fencers. In the setting of the group classes, coaches also work with students individually on bladework and footwork.
• Sportsmanship and Olympic values: Beyond athletic skills, our classes instill the traditions and values of the Olympic sport of fencing. Our fencers practice true sportsmanship and become supportive teammates. We teach our students the history as well as the art of fencing because both are crucial elements of our sport.
• Starting at age 8: Fencing is a challenging sport with rules that can be hard to understand and moves that can be difficult to execute for young children. We recommend to let children under the age of 8 develop their motor skills with age-appropriate workouts and join our program when they are ready. We will consider 7-year-olds on an individual basis. Please contact us with more information before submitting a registration for a student under age 8.

Beginner Classes

This class introduces beginners to sabre fencing. While students learn the fundamental skills of fencing involved in all three disciplines of fencing (épée, foil, sabre), they focus on sabre. Each seven-week-long session consists of weekly classes which last 90 minutes. A typical class starts with warm-up games and stretching, followed by footwork and bladework explanations and drills, and concludes with fencing in full fencing gear. New students are welcome to join at the beginning of each new session. Students stay in this class for several sessions until our coaches are sure that they are ready to move to the next level.

Students receive a complete set of personal fencing equipment for the duration of each session for a small rental fee and a completely refundable equipment deposit. For safety reasons, students are required to wear clean indoor sneakers, long loose-fitting sweat pants and a T-shirt during class. Please read our full dress guidelines here.

The class is offered for three different age groups: Youth 1 (born 2012-2014), Youth 2 (born 2009-2011), and Youth 3 (born 2006-2008). Fencers born in 2005 and older should join the Adult Beginner Class.

Class Times and Fees

Youth 1 (YOB 2012-2014): Wednesday 4:30 - 6pm, Saturday 11am - 12:30 pm 

Youth 2 (YOB 2009-2011): Saturday 1-2:30pm

Youth 3 (YOB 2006-2008): Thursday 4:30-6pm

Class Fee per 7 - week session: $300

Rental Fee: $30 / session

Equipment Deposit: $300 (cash or check only, fully refundable)

Class Fee for second family member for a 7 - week session: $240

Note: We offer a family discount for all our classes. The first family member pays the full price, every additional family member receives a discount on class fees. If family members are participating in programs with different fees, the higher-priced program has to be paid in full. The family discount is applied to the lower-priced program.

Class Schedule

Session Schedule 2022/23

New fencers may join at the beginning of each session.

• SESSION 1: Tuesday, September 6 – Monday, October 24, 2022
• SESSION 2: Tuesday, October 25 – Tuesday, December 19, 2022 (no classes during Thanksgiving break: Monday, November 21 – Saturday, November 26, 2022)
• SESSION 3: Tuesday, January 3 – Monday, February 27, 2023 (no classes during February break: Monday, February 20 - Saturday, February 25, 2023)
• SESSION 4: Tuesday, February 28 – Monday, April 24, 2023 (no classes during April break: Monday, April 17 - 20 - Saturday, April 22, 2023)
• SESSION 5: Tuesday, April 25 – Monday, June 12, 2023

Registration

In order to register, please provide:

• Completed registration form: Please use the Registration Button below.
• Proof of USA Fencing membership: Our insurance requires that all students become members of USA Fencing. A non-competitive membership costs $10 per year. Find more information and detailed instructions here.
• Payment: Please choose your payment option on the online Registration Form.

We ask all fencers and parents to read and acknowledge Zeta Fencing's Code of Conduct. By signing a registration form, you agree to its terms.

Class spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis after a complete registration with full payment and proof of USA Fencing membership has been received.

There are no refunds after the first class meeting; however, partial credits may be issued toward future programs. If you have to request a refund before the first class meeting, a $50 processing fee will be automatically deducted from the total amount of your payment refund.