Youth Fencing
Special Programs
First Contact For new students, we offer classes in Olympic Sport, Historical Swordsmanship and Stage Combat. The only thing you need to bring with you is a desire to have fun. No experience is necessary; rental equipment is available. Visit our decorated state-of-the-art training facility or call for more information.
If you are an experienced fencer, please call (703) 321-4922 first to be directed to the best time come, depending on your weapon and skill level.
What To Wear
Appropriate athletic attire is required: comfortable athletic pants such as sweatpants, warm-ups, or leggings, which must completely cover the legs and allow stretching and movement with ease; athletic shoes with non-marking soles; and a glove for students in the Olympic class, or a pair of gloves for students in the Historical Swordsmanship class. Students without appropriate athletic attire will not be allowed to participate.
Equipment Protective equipment including a mask, jacket and sword are available for rent for students new to fencing. Equipment rentals do not include a glove which must be brought from home or purchased. Fencing gloves are available at VAF and start at $20. A work or gardening glove that covers the whole hand can be used. A pair of gloves is required for Historical Swordsmanship classes.
THE VAF WAY Teaching fencing is only part of our philosophy. Respect, honor, good sportsmanship, and manners are all an integral part of our disciplined approach to achieving athletic and personal growth.
The Olympic SportGroup classes or private lessons in foil, epee and sabre are offered. For those new to fencing, VAF offers introductory and preparatory classes year-round for both youth and adults. After completing the preparatory classes, students may be eligible for VAF membership and proceed to the intermediate level in their weapon of choice.
Historical Swordsmanship 
The sword arts that were practiced on battlefields and dueling grounds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance are the roots of modern day fencing. VAF is only one of a handful of schools in North America to offer systematic instruction in historical weaponry: the rapier and the two-handed sword. Classes appeal to those with an interest in history and are not competitive nor theatrical. Students must be at least 9 years old to begin. Youth classes (9-13 years) and adult/teen classes are offered.
The sword arts that were practiced on battlefields and dueling grounds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance are the roots of modern day fencing. VAF is only one of a handful of schools in North America to offer systematic instruction in historical weaponry: the rapier and the two-handed sword. Classes appeal to those with an interest in history and are not competitive nor theatrical. Students must be at least 9 years old to begin. Youth classes (9-13 years) and adult/teen classes are offered.
Stage Combat - New at VAF!From the classics of the Three Musketeers and Scaramouche to the modern Zorro and Pirates of the Caribbean, the swashbuckling style of swordplay is many people's first and lasting impression of fencing. Drawing in part from traditional fencing and historical technique, stage combat is the artistic theatrical expression of fencing. Classes explore the classical Hollywood style of single sword with emphasis on dramatics, blade control, footwork, dynamic movement and safety.