Competitive Fencing at VAF

Competition - a commitment to excel in Olympic Sport fencing

Competitive classes provide the highest level of training offered in the U.S. Classes are serious and intensive, designed to produce skilled competitive fencers. A strong commitment is essential, not just for the individual but for the team as a whole. Skill level isn't as important as having the right attitude. An interview between the coach and the prospective student (and parents, if student is a minor) must be arranged in advance.

The competitive season lasts from September -- July with the Summer Nationals Championships as the final competition. Interested students should take competitive classes and need to make a serious commitment to practice several times per week.

There are a number of competitions held on local, national and international levels. Local competitions are divided into two categories: 12 years old and under, and 13 years old and over (open competition). To participate in these events you need to be a member of the United States Fencing Association (USFA) and must have safety and electric equipment.

A national level competition is the next step. There are a number of North American cups (NACs). The granddad of all is U.S. National Championships. Competition categories are divided by gender, age [10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, Cadet (16 and under), Junior (19 and under), Senior (13 and older), Veterans 40-49, Veterans 50-59, and Veterans 60-69, and skill level (Division I, Division II, and Division III). Some of the events require one to qualify to compete.