Our introductory course assumes no prior knowledge about fencing, and is the ideal starting point for people new to the sport.

Fencers will gain a basic understanding of movement, tactics, rules, and etiquette of the sport of fencing. More importantly, fencers will have a very good idea of what fencing at Riverside is like, and whether they wish to continue training here.

The course consists of six class meetings. Students may repeat the course if they choose or if recommended by the coach before advancing to the group classes. This rich course features classes that build on each other sequentially. Should a student miss a class, they will need to make up the class prior to attending the next class. Additional fees apply for make-up lessons.

Schedule (2023-2024)

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• All-Ages Intro to Fencing (Spring 2024)

  • Saturdays 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM;

  • Mar 2 to Apr 6, 2024;

  • Registration closed on Feb 25, 2024.

Fees & Registration

Base course fee: $195.00. Includes registration, instruction, and use of fencing equipment (provided).

Additional fees apply for make-up lessons, if needed: $25.00 per lesson.

Vaccination Requirement

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all participants and spectators.

Prerequisite: successful completion of the Intro to Fencing course, or equivalent experience and coach’s permission.

This course is a continuation of the Intro to Fencing course for those who wish to continue their training at Riverside.

Building on the excitement of the Intro course, this course’s goal is to give fencers a solid foundation of fundamental technical and tactical skills for further development. Fencers will gain the skills needed also to be good training/practice partners, a key foundation to learning at Riverside.

With coach permission, fencers in this course may simultaneously cross-register for the Youth or Senior (as appropriate for age) Group Epee classes.

Following the successful completion of this course:

• Students may repeat the course if they choose or if recommended by the coach.

• Students may advance to the Group Instruction classes.

Schedule (2023-2024)

• Fundamentals (Winter 2024)

  • Wednesdays 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;

  • Feb 28 to Apr 10, 2024

  • Registration will open on or about Feb 1, 2024

• Fundamentals (Spring 2024) (tentative)

  • Wednesdays 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;

  • Apr 24 to Jun 5, 2024

  • Registration will open on or about Apr 1, 2024

The goal of the group instructional classes is to teach the fencers a broad base of tactical and technical skills and concepts that they can build upon with further private training and practice. 

Fencers in this class have a wide range of skill and experience levels. This is the strength of the class, rather than a limitation: we foster a culture of mutual learning in the classes. These classes are designed to cater to both the developing competitive fencer and the recreational fencer. Having fun, learning, and honing one's competitive skill are complementary, not exclusionary! Students are grouped within classes by age, size, gender, or experience as appropriate.

Each group instructional class meeting consists of coach-led footwork and blade work segments, and includes time to practice the skills learned in class through fencing with classmates. 

Schedule (2023-2024, starts in Sep 2023)

• Youth Group Classes. (Ages 10 to 14)

  • Mon 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

  • Sat 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

• Senior Group Classes. (Ages 15 to adult. Younger students may enroll with coach permission).

  • Mon 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM;

  • Wed 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM;

  • Fri 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;

Fees & Registration (2023-2024)

• Unlimited weekly classes: $230.00 class fee + $65.00 club membership fee = $295.00 per session;

• Class fees for the Nov-Dec sessions are reduced because the session is shorter:

  • Unlimited weekly classes: $200.00 class fee + $65.00 club membership fee = $265.00 for Nov-Dec session;

• Family discounts are offered when two or more members of the same household are registered simultaneously (even if in different classes).

  • First member pays full prices; subsequent members receive a 50% discount for class fees;

  • Membership fees and private lesson fees are not discounted; 

Making the competitive team is about the level of commitment to improving, not necessarily one's current skill level. Competition offers a variety of experiences, challenges, and opportunities that are not reproducible in practice, so is an integral requirement to this experience. 

Team membership is not a prerequisite for competing, though competing is a requirement of Team membership.

The commitment we ask for is two-fold:

1. To your own improvement and growth, achieved through deliberate and consistent effort and reflection in training and competition;

2. To the improvement and growth of your teammates, achieved through consistent, selfless, thoughtful work with and for your teammates.

In an individual sport like fencing, the concept of "team" is not always obvious, simple, or easy. In the end, improvement is rarely the result of individual effort alone.

Participation on the Team is by coach invitation only.

Schedule (2023-2024)

• Tue 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (All-Ages)

• Sat 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM (All-Ages)

Fees and Registration

Floor fees for guests are $10.00 per visit, and include use of Club gear. Floor fees for members are waived.

No registration is necessary for open fencing come "drop-in" and fence!