Close

Ready to Begin Your Fencing Journey? Call Us Today

Beginner Fencing Program

Never Held a Foil Before? Perfect. We welcome beginning fencing students ages 6 and up with zero experience—equipment provided, free introductory class, and no upfront cost.

Whether you’re a child taking your first steps into Olympic-style foil fencing or an adult exploring a new athletic challenge, our beginner program provides expert instruction, a supportive environment, and a structured pathway to skill development. We welcome students ages 6 and up with zero experience—equipment provided, free introductory class available, and no upfront cost to get started. Our beginner program emphasizes fundamentals, safety, coordination, and confidence-building in small, co-ed classes led by coaches who have competed and coached at the highest levels of the sport. From your very first lesson, you’ll use professional electric equipment and learn the same Olympic foil techniques used by competitive athletes worldwide.

Youth Beginner Fencing Classes (Ages 6-12)

Our youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6-12 to the fundamentals of Olympic foil fencing in a fun, structured, and safe environment. Young athletes learn footwork, blade work, tactical awareness, and the rules of the sport while developing focus, discipline, coordination, and confidence.

Classes are designed specifically for the physical and cognitive development of children, with age-appropriate instruction that keeps students engaged while building real fencing skills. All equipment is provided, and students train with professional electric scoring systems from day one.

Youth beginner classes focus on:

  • Proper stance, footwork, and movement
  • Basic bladework and target control
  • Understanding right-of-way rules
  • Safe equipment handling and sportsmanship
  • Introduction to competitive bouting
  • Building confidence through structured progression


Please check the schedule below to view the weekly class schedule. 

What Makes Youth Classes Special

Fencing offers unique benefits for young athletes that extend far beyond the strip. Children develop intense focus and fast tactical decision-making as they learn to read opponents and react in real-time. The sport builds coordination, agility, balance, and reflexes through dynamic footwork and precise bladework.

Beyond physical development, fencing teaches valuable life skills: sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, handling both victory and defeat with grace, and the discipline required for consistent improvement. Young fencers learn that advancement comes through dedication and effort—lessons that translate directly to academic and personal success.

Fencing is also a powerful pathway to top colleges and universities. As a distinct, Olympic sport with relatively fewer participants than mainstream athletics, skilled fencers stand out in college admissions and may pursue NCAA recruitment opportunities at elite institutions.

Teen Beginner Fencing Classes 
(Ages 13-17)

Teens ages 13-17 who are new to fencing join our Teen/Adult beginner cohort rather than youth classes, ensuring they train with peers of similar physical maturity and athletic development. This structure provides age-appropriate instruction while maintaining the rigor and intensity that teen athletes expect.

Teen beginners learn the same foundational curriculum as youth students—footwork, bladework, rules, and tactics—but at a pace and intensity suited to more developed coordination and cognitive abilities. The teen/adult class environment emphasizes athletic performance, competitive readiness, and the mental aspects of fencing strategy.

Teen fencers often progress quickly due to their physical maturity and can transition to intermediate and competitive training within months of consistent practice. For high school students interested in fencing for college recruitment, we provide guidance on competitive pathways, tournament preparation, and NCAA opportunities.

Teen classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in the Adult Recreational time slot, with teens receiving focused instruction appropriate to their developmental stage.

Adult Beginner Fencing Classes (Ages 18+)

Adult beginners are welcome at Precision Athletics, and you don’t need any prior athletic experience to start fencing. Our Adult Recreational program is designed specifically for adults who want to learn Olympic foil fencing for fitness, mental challenge, stress relief, or simply the joy of learning a new skill.


Adult classes provide a welcoming, non-intimidating environment where students progress at their own pace. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic full-body workout, a sport that challenges your mind as much as your body, or a community of like-minded adults pursuing a shared interest, fencing offers all of this and more.


Fencing provides exceptional cardiovascular conditioning, core strength development, and lower-body toning through constant footwork and explosive movements. The mental aspects—tactical problem-solving, pattern recognition, and real-time decision-making—keep your mind sharp and engaged. Many adults find fencing to be an effective stress reliever that builds confidence and provides a sense of personal accomplishment.


Adult Recreational classes meet Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. The class is co-ed, welcoming both men and women, and all equipment is provided. You can fence purely for recreation and fitness, or if competitive interest develops, pathways to tournament participation are available.

Why Adults Choose Fencing

Fencing is a lifelong sport that adults can start at any age. Unlike high-impact sports that stress joints and require years of youth development, fencing emphasizes technique, timing, and strategy—skills that can be learned and refined throughout adulthood.

Adult fencers appreciate:
– Mental sharpness and tactical problem-solving
– Full-body conditioning without high-impact stress
– A supportive community of adults with shared interests
– Personal challenge and continuous skill development
– Stress relief through focused, engaging activity
– A sport where strategy and intelligence matter as much as athleticism

Many adults who start fencing discover a passion that becomes a central part of their fitness routine and social life. Whether you fence casually for fitness or pursue competitive opportunities, the adult fencing community at Precision Athletics is welcoming, encouraging, and built on mutual respect.

Private Lessons

Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction with our coaching staff, offering personalized attention, technique refinement, and accelerated skill development. For beginner students, private lessons are optional but highly recommended as they allow coaches to address individual challenges, correct form in real-time, and tailor instruction to each student’s learning pace.

Private lessons are particularly valuable for:

  • Students who want to accelerate their progression
  • Athletes preparing to transition from beginner to intermediate levels
  • Fencers working on specific technical or tactical challenges
  • Adults or teens with limited availability for group classes
  • Students considering competitive fencing pathways


Private lessons are scheduled by appointment with Coach Forrest MacDougall, Coach Konami Masui, or Coach Roman Meleshko. Lesson availability varies by coach and day, with sessions offered Monday through Saturday at various times throughout the afternoon and evening.

Contact us at 310.756.8635 to schedule your private lesson.

Weekly Schedule

Below is our complete weekly beginner training schedule. Classes include coach-led instruction followed by supervised bouting periods where students apply techniques in live fencing. Open bouting sessions welcome fencers of all levels.

Monday

Open Bouting (All Levels Welcome) 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Open bouting provides supervised practice time for students at all levels to fence with different opponents, refine techniques, and build competitive experience in a supportive environment.

Tuesday

Youth Beginner Class 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Coach-led instruction followed by 30 minutes of supervised bouting


This class focuses on fundamentals, footwork, bladework, and rules, with structured progression through our beginner arm band system. Students practice techniques learned during instruction in supervised bouts.

Wednesday

Adult Recreational / Teen Beginner 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Adult recreational fencers and teen beginners train together in a welcoming environment focused on skill development, fitness, and enjoyment of the sport.

Open Bouting (All Levels Welcome) 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Concurrent with the adult class, open bouting is available for students at any level looking for additional practice time.

Thursday

Youth Beginner Class 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Coach-led instruction followed by 30 minutes of supervised bouting

Same structure as Tuesday, providing twice-weekly training for youth beginners developing foundational skills and progressing through the arm band system.

Friday

Beginner / Intermediate Gray 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Coach-led instruction followed by 30 minutes of supervised bouting

This class serves both beginners and early intermediate students (Gray). Mixed-level training accelerates development as beginners learn from more experienced fencers.

Saturday

Beginner / Intermediate Gray 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Extended Saturday session provides additional training time for beginners and early intermediate students. The longer format allows for more in-depth instruction, extended bouting practice, and focused skill development.

Progression System: Arm Bands & Advancement

At Precision Athletics, beginner students progress through a structured arm band system designed to provide clear milestones, visual feedback, and individualized pacing as they develop foundational fencing skills. This system applies only to beginner students and is used to guide progression toward intermediate training.

Arm bands are worn during class only, remain club property, and serve as visual progress markers—not competitive rankings. Advancement through arm band levels is coach-awarded based on demonstrated skill, understanding of rules and tactics, consistency in execution, and readiness for the next stage of development. Progression is individualized and not based on time in program or win-loss records.

Intro Beginner

Early-stage beginners learning the fundamentals of stance, footwork, bladework, and class structure. Students at this level are building coordination, understanding basic movements, and becoming comfortable with equipment and the training environment.

Foundation Beginner

Students are now comfortable fencing full bouts, understand basic right-of-way rules, and can apply fundamental techniques with improving consistency. Yellow arm band fencers are building tactical awareness and beginning to fence with intent rather than reactive movements.

Intermediate Beginner

Solid technical fundamentals with more advanced tactical awareness. Green arm band fencers demonstrate controlled footwork, deliberate blade actions, and the ability to set up attacks and defend strategically. They fence with clear intent and are refining execution.

Tournament-Ready Beginner

Students at the orange arm band level have demonstrated readiness for personal equipment ownership and entry-level local tournament participation. They possess consistent technique, understand competitive rules, and are prepared to begin structured competitive development.

Transition to Intermediate (Gray Group)

When a student officially promotes from the beginner program to the Intermediate Gray Group, they:

– Stop using arm bands
– Receive a club logo patch that is theirs to keep
– The patch can be sewn onto their fencing jacket permanently as a milestone achievement

Promotion to Intermediate represents a significant accomplishment and marks the student’s transition from foundational learning to competitive skill development. Intermediate students are expected to own personal equipment, participate in private lessons regularly, and begin attending local tournaments as part of their training progression.

Pricing & Membership

Train as often as you want — best value

BEST VALUE

Fleche!

Unlimited group classes per week

$ 390

Monthly

+ $50

Participate recreationally once a week!

Adult Recreational Class!

Wednesdays
from 5:30 – 7 PM

$ 99

Monthly

+ $10

Perfect for beginners or busy schedules

En-Garde!

1 group class per week

$ 199

Monthly

+ $50

Best balance of progress & flexibility

POPULAR

Lunge!

2 group classes per week

$ 285

Monthly

+ $50

Frequently Asked Questions

We accept students starting at age 6, but fencing is a lifelong sport you can begin at any age. Children as young as 6 can develop the coordination and focus needed for beginner training, while adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond regularly start fencing for the first time. The sport rewards technique, timing, and tactical intelligence—qualities that can be developed regardless of when you start.

Fencing is extremely safe. The weapons are not sharp—foils have blunted rubber tips—and we use comprehensive protective gear including masks with strong mesh face protection, padded jackets, and gloves. You might occasionally get a small bruise from a firm touch, but serious injuries are rare. Fencing has one of the lowest injury rates among Olympic sports, particularly when practiced with proper equipment and supervision.

No. We provide all equipment for beginner students to use during training. This includes masks, jackets, foils, gloves, and electric scoring gear. You only need to bring athletic clothing and indoor shoes.

Equipment purchase is required when you advance to the Intermediate level, at which point you’ll need to own personal gear. We provide guidance on equipment selection and reputable vendors when you reach that stage. A complete beginner/intermediate equipment setup typically costs $300-$600.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing:

– T-shirt or athletic top
– Athletic pants, track pants, leggings, or shorts
– Indoor athletic sneakers with non-marking soles
– Bring a water bottle

We provide all fencing-specific equipment. Avoid wearing jewelry, and tie back long hair for safety.

Fencing has a high learning curve, but you’ll have fun immediately. Using electric equipment and scoring touches from your very first class is exciting and engaging. However, developing true proficiency—consistent technique, tactical awareness, and competitive skill—takes months of regular practice.

Most students training twice weekly can expect to progress through the beginner arm band levels (Gray → Yellow → Green → Orange) over the course of 6-12 months, depending on individual development, consistency, and natural aptitude. Advancement to intermediate competitive levels typically occurs within the first year of consistent training.

Fencing is often perceived as a sport for the wealthy, but in reality, it’s comparable in cost to many modern youth and adult sports. Like any sport, expenses can increase at elite levels with travel, high-level coaching, and national competition, but the beginner level is welcoming and accessible.

Equipment costs have dropped significantly over the years, with complete beginner setups available for $300-$600. Monthly training costs are comparable to other martial arts or individual sports programs. Fencing does not require expensive team fees, uniforms, or constant equipment replacement as children grow—a properly maintained fencing setup lasts years.

We do not currently offer scholarships or financial assistance programs.

We maintain low student-to-coach ratios to ensure safety, individual attention, and effective instruction. Class sizes are deliberately kept small so coaches can provide personalized feedback, correct technique in real-time, and ensure every student receives the attention needed to progress.

Absolutely—you can fence purely for recreation, fitness, and enjoyment. Our Adult Recreational program is designed specifically for people who want the physical and mental benefits of fencing without competitive pressure.

Many students train casually for years, enjoying the sport as a fitness activity and social outlet. If competitive interest develops later, pathways to tournament participation are available, but there is no requirement or expectation to compete. Fencing is for everyone, regardless of competitive goals.

We specialize exclusively in foil, one of the three Olympic fencing disciplines. This focused approach allows us to deliver deep technical knowledge, tactical sophistication, and competitive preparation that wouldn’t be possible if we taught multiple weapons.

Foil emphasizes precision, timing, and tactical decision-making within a structured right-of-way system. It’s an excellent weapon for beginners because it teaches fundamental fencing concepts that translate across all disciplines.

Yes. All of our coaches are certified by USA Fencing and hold current CPR and First Aid certifications. View Our coaching staff.

Yes. Precision Athletics Fencing Club is an official member club of USA Fencing, the national governing body for the sport in the United States. This means:

– Our athletes compete within the official USA Fencing competitive framework
– Students can earn nationally recognized ratings and rankings
– We maintain the safety, coaching, and facility standards required by USA Fencing
– Our club operates within the regulated structure of organized competitive fencing

USA Fencing membership provides access to sanctioned tournaments, official ratings, national events, and pathways to regional, national, and international competition.

Fencing has a deep tradition of being practiced within clubs rather than commercial gyms, and at Precision Athletics, we honor that tradition. Being part of a fencing club means more than attending classes—it means joining a community built on shared goals, mutual respect, and collective growth.

Club membership emphasizes belonging, tradition, and team culture. You’re not just a customer; you’re a member of a fencing community that trains together, supports one another’s development, and shares in both individual and collective achievements. This culture of belonging and mutual respect is central to the fencing experience.

Yes. All classes are co-ed, with boys and girls, men and women training together. Fencing is a sport where technique, timing, and strategy matter more than physical size or strength, making it uniquely suited to co-ed training and competition. Athletes of all genders train together, compete against one another, and benefit from the diverse range of styles and approaches that mixed training provides.

Fencing provides exceptional developmental benefits for young athletes:

Mental Development:
– Intense focus and concentration
– Fast tactical decision-making under pressure
– Pattern recognition and problem-solving
– Strategic thinking and planning ahead

Physical Development:
– Coordination, agility, balance, and reflexes
– Cardiovascular fitness and explosive athleticism
– Core strength and lower body conditioning
– Fine motor control and hand-eye coordination

Character Development:
– Sportsmanship and respect for opponents
– Discipline and commitment to improvement
– Learning to handle both victory and defeat gracefully
– Individual accountability and self-motivation

Future Opportunities:
– Fencing is a distinct pathway to top colleges and universities
– NCAA recruitment opportunities at elite institutions
– Relatively fewer participants than mainstream sports, making skilled fencers stand out in admissions

Adult fencers discover numerous benefits from the sport:

Mental Benefits:
– Stress relief and mental sharpness
– Tactical problem-solving and strategic thinking
– Lifelong learning and continuous skill development
– Focused activity that clears the mind

Physical Benefits:
– Cardiovascular conditioning and full-body workout
– Core strength and lower body toning
– Improved balance, coordination, and reflexes
– Low-impact athleticism that protects joints

Social & Personal Benefits:
– Community connection with like-minded adults
– Personal challenge and sense of accomplishment
– Confidence building through mastery of a complex skill
– A sport where strategy and intelligence matter as much as athleticism

What Our Beginning Fencing Community is Saying

Ready to Begin Your Fencing Journey?

Whether you’re a parent exploring fencing for your child, a teen looking for a new athletic challenge, or an adult seeking fitness and mental engagement, Precision Athletics Fencing Club welcomes you. Our beginner program provides expert instruction, a supportive community, and a clear pathway from your first lesson to competitive readiness—all in a professional training environment led by coaches with Team USA and World Championship experience.

Train with Coach Forrest MacDougall
Former Team USA Competitor & National Coach

Coach Forrest competed internationally for Team USA and served as National Coach for Cadets & Juniors at World Championship events. His expertise and proven training methods have developed students who compete at the highest levels—from local tournaments to international podiums. Under his guidance, Precision Athletics students have earned medals at international competitions and pursued NCAA recruitment pathways. Whether you’re taking your first lesson or training for elite competition, you’ll benefit from world-class instruction.

Train with Coach Forrest MacDougall
Former Team USA Competitor & National Coach

Coach Forrest competed internationally for Team USA and served as National Coach for Cadets & Juniors at World Championship events. His expertise and proven training methods have developed students who compete at the highest levels—from local tournaments to international podiums. Under his guidance, Precision Athletics students have earned medals at international competitions and pursued NCAA recruitment pathways. Whether you’re taking your first lesson or training for elite competition, you’ll benefit from world-class instruction.