Two graduates of our youth classes fight for first place in the finals round of a local tournament.

Youth Classes

Tidewater Fencing Club offers youth beginner foil classes starting at the beginning of each month, holidays permitting. New monthly activity begins on the first Monday of each month, with beginner foil classes starting the Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday after that. A more detailed calendar is available on our Schedule page, and the details of our youth classes are shown below. All students must have an active USA Fencing membership for insurance purposes. All fees must be paid in cash, credit card, or check made payable to Tidewater Fencing Club.  Students must pass a practical test during the last class session to move on to the next level, otherwise they will be asked to retake the class.  Any student that misses a class session and wishes to get caught up should schedule a $20 make-up session with an available instructor prior to the next class session.

Beginner Class: Level 1

  • Ages 8-12
  • Four weeks long
  • Schedule option 1:  Wednesday, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Schedule option 2:  Saturday, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
  • $100 for an individual
  • $50 for each additional family member
  • Instructors: Chuck Swan, Meredith Powers
  • USA Fencing membership required

The Level 1 class is intended for those who have no previous fencing training. All necessary fencing equipment is borrowed from the club during class, and students have the option of buying a glove for $10. Students must wear proper clothing: long & stretchable pants, t-shirt, and sneakers. New classes normally start on the Wednesday after the first Monday of the month, or the Saturday after that. The class fee must be paid by the first day of class, and students must also have a valid membership with USA Fencing. Students must pass a practical test during the last class session to move on to the next level, otherwise they will be asked to retake the Level 1 class.

Beginner Class: Level 2

  • Ages 8-12
  • Four weeks long
  • Schedule option 1:  Thursday, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  • Schedule option 2:  Saturday, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • $100 for an individual
  • $50 for each additional family member
  • Instructors: Meredith Powers
  • USA Fencing membership required

The Level 2 class is for those with very basic fencing training. All necessary fencing equipment is borrowed from the club during class, and students have the option of buying a glove for $10. Students must wear proper clothing: long & stretchable pants, t-shirt, and sneakers. New classes normally start on the Thursday after the first Monday of the month, or the Saturday after that. The class fee must be paid by the first day of class, and all students must also have current USFA memberships. Students must pass a practical test during the last class session to move on to the next level, otherwise they will be asked to retake the Level 2 class.

What Happens Next

After completing the Level 2 class beginners can then become members of Tidewater Fencing Club. During their first month as members they will be required to take the Intermediate Foil Class for four weeks.  This helps them with the transition into full club members, as well as fortifying the fundamentals of fencing. During their first month as club members they can continue using club equipment, however they must have their own basic equipment by the end of the month. Students must wear proper clothing: long & stretchable pants, t-shirt, and sneakers. For more information please see the Intermediate Classes page.

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