Sportsmanship
Teamwork
Integrity
Win
A premier fencing club like no other!
About Our Fencing Programs
Success never comes to those who quit and our goal is to help you reach yours. Engarde, Allez!
The Bay Area Fencing Club is committed to the growth and development of young people through the sport of Fencing. Our club has all three weapons: Foil, Epee and Saber.
We recognize the importance of fostering excellence in our athletes on and off the strip, supporting the whole athlete; academically, socially, and athletically. Through teaching the values of integrity, sportsmanship, and resilience we strive for excellence both individually and as a team.
We will abide by the rules and policies of the governing body of our sport, and the values of our members.
Programs
Level 1: Lil’ Pirates
Level 2: Beginning Foil/Sabre
Level 3: Intermediate foil/Sabre
Level 4: competitive Foil/Sabre
Level 5: Elite Foil/Sabre
Bay Area Fencing Club provides an integrated course schedule of learning through exploration, scrutiny, and self-reflection. Our classes combine hands-on experience with knowledge-based teaching - take a look at our offerings and contact Bay Area Fencing Club to learn more.
Level 1: Lil' Pirates
Little Pirates is our introductory course for children ages 5 and 6. This course focuses on movement and the fundamentals of fencing. (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) Your new fencers will utilize plastic weapons in a welcoming, safe environment. So that our young pirates will want to return and continue learning, we maintain a fun and interesting environment. 7-year-olds may enroll in our Beginning program.
Level 2: Beginning Fencing
The beginning program meets once a week. In this program, your new fencer will have the opportunity to perfect their footwork, blade work, and most importantly, their bouting skills. They will fence with their teammates and learn to develop a winning strategy. We impress upon our athletes the value of sportsmanship, hard work, and resiliency.
Electric fencing will be introduced. Most fencers will continue in the beginning class for 6-12 months. We will initially provide all the equipment necessary, please speak to your coach regarding the purchasing of your own fencing gear.
We recommend scheduling at least 1 private lesson per week (except Lil' Pirates).
Level 3: Intermediate Fencing
Once your fencer is ready, your coach will inform you that you are ready for Intermediate Class. If you come to BAFC with previous experience you are more than welcome to join intermediate after an evaluation.
The intermediate program meets twice a week. In this program, your children will have the opportunity to perfect their footwork, blade work, and most importantly, their bouting skills. Your children will fence with their teammates and learn to develop a winning strategy. We impress upon our athletes the value of sportsmanship, hard work, and resiliency. We will be fencing electric and gear will need to be purchased by participants.
Most fencers will continue in the intermediate class for 6-12 months. A US Fencing competitive membership will be required if your child desires to compete. We will be scheduling local competitions. We recommend scheduling at least 1 to 2 private lessons per week.
Level 4: Competitive
Training in the Competitive program includes intense footwork, blade work, and bouting. We introduce supplemental conditioning. We recommend taking at least 2 - 4 private lessons a week. This program meets 4 days per week. This program will help push your fencer to the next level and prepare for competing at state, national, and international levels.
You will have the opportunity to represent the club at local competitions and compete against other clubs in the area. You will need to have a competitive USA Fencing Membership if you wish to compete.
Level 5: Elite
The Elite program is our highest-level training at Bay Area Fencing Club. Athletes will be expected to do extensive footwork, handwork, conditioning, and competition.
It is recommended that each fencer takes 3-4 private lessons per week.
In the Elite program, you are expected to compete against other clubs on a state, national, and international level. There is more travel and practice. Coaches work together to make sure athletes maintain excellence in their academic, personal, and athletic obligations. The program meets 4 days per week.
Open Bouting
We are currently open on weekday evenings for open bouting. During this time there is no instruction, however, private lessons can be scheduled.
Required Equipment for Classes at BAFC
We realize that purchasing fencing equipment is a difficult task to undertake. This is true for both new parents and experienced fencers. If you have any questions, please consult a member of the BAFC staff before purchasing equipment to ensure the size and style requirements are met for your fencer.
Generally, don’t go overboard. Your children will grow into their fencing gear, and outgrow it before you know it.
You can find equipment at the following links:
Beginning Program
No equipment is required besides long pants and closed toe shoes to begin fencing at BAFC. Once you have been fencing for a month or so, we suggest the following:
Fencing Mask
Glove
Jacket
Intermediate Program
Upon entry into the intermediate program, parents should purchase the following items:
Fencing Mask - weapon specific
Fencing Glove - weapon specific
Jacket
Lame (Electric jacket/vest for Sabre/Foil)
Underarm Protector
Knickers (Fencing Pants)
Body Cords (2 prong)
Mask Cords
Weapon (purchase 1-2)
Long socks
Chest Protector (chest guard). This is required for all females but males may choose not to wear one. We recommend a chest guard for younger, smaller children regardless of gender.
Hope this helps: Please reach out to your coach with any questions.
