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Virginia Academy of Fencing Programs
IntroductoryFor those without any fencing experience, six group classes or private lessons are taken in a chosen discipline: Olympic Sport or Historical Swordsmanship. A new program in theatrical Stage Combat is also available. Summer, spring and winter camps are offered for youth participants as well. The following age groups apply:
- Adults and Teens 14 and over
- Youth: 9-13 years
- Youth: 6-8 years
- Little Musketeers: 4-5 years
The next level is a more intensive approach that refines the fundamentals of our Introductory class. The goal is to prepare students for the Intermediate level where they may fence other students with less direct close supervision. New techniques designed to rapidly improve knowledge of the basics are introduced in the next 6 classes. Classes are divided by the age groups noted above.
Intermediate, Advanced, Competitive – VAF Membership
Upon completing the preparatory level, students are eligible to become Virginia Academy of Fencing members. Members select a training program and receive additional benefits, including practice time known as Supervised Free Fencing.
Weekly coed classes are divided by skill level, weapon and age groups. Fencers who are comfortable in one class may stay there as long as they want. Others may want to move ahead to a more challenging class or another weapon.
Intermediate Olympic Sport (foil, epee, sabre)
Intermediate Historical Swordsmanship
(youth historical, rapier, two-handed sword)
Classes are fun and social, and provide a good physical workout. The focus is on moderately paced learning and adding to basic skills. This class is a good way to maintain skills and make reasonable progress.
Advanced Olympic Sport (foil, epee, sabre) classes are for those who want more intensive training. These classes are recommended for students who have completed one year of fencing. Advanced classes improve point control and overall technique. Instruction is aided by the use of electric scoring equipment and fencers are prepared for competitions, but do not have to actively compete. Electric equipment for each weapon is required. Advanced Historical Swordsmanship (two-handed, rapier) classes are for students who are ready for higher level training in historical swordsmanship. Instruction covers a broader and more in depth study of historical fencing traditions, and features additional physical conditioning beyond that of the intermediate level. For Two-Handed Sword, students should own a wooden or aluminum waster and, ideally, a blunt steel practice sword. For rapier, Students provide their own practice rapier with a flexible blade, and a fencing dagger.
Competitive Sport (foil, epee, sabre) 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.
Frequency of Training
A student chooses the amount of training based on his/her fencing goals. The training programs listed below are expected to produce the results indicated.| One group | A good starting point for maintaining skills and making reasonable progress. Have fun while learning a discipline and improving fitness. |
| Two groups | Excellent for steady improvement and well-timed consistent exercise. Two or more intermediate classes will increase your rate of progress or provide experience in a second discipline. |
| One private | For those who work better one-on-one, who are serious about competition, or require greater scheduling flexibility. A private lesson time and day with the coach of your choice is assigned. |
| One private & one group | An excellent combination for those who would like to progress toward being competitive but scheduling does not permit attendance in Advanced or Competitive classes. |
| Advanced | Classes are 1½ hours, offered multiple times per week, involving intermediate instruction and physical fitness workouts for students who are interested in more intensive training. |
| Competitive | Classes are 2 hours, offered multiple times per week, with intermediate instruction and intensive physical training for serious students who compete in all local, state and national tournaments. |
Group or Private?
The choice is yours. While most students enjoy the group format as there is always someone to practice against, some opt for private lessons to work on specific skills when scheduling flexibility is needed Beginners may start with either 6 group sessions or 6 private lessons. As the student progresses, the type of program one chooses is based on the student's goals and schedule.
Youth Fencing
VAF has one of the largest youth programs in the country. We have classes for:
- 4-5 year olds known as Musketeers - new! sport only
- 6-8 year olds, sport only
- 9-13 year olds, sport and historical
- Teenagers 14 and over fence with adults, Olympic sport and historical and stage combat.
While many students in sport fencing like to compete and are Virginia, national and international champions, the majority of students take fencing for physical activity and to learn a new discipline; historical swordsmanship fencers develop their sense of history through physical application of the art of fencing.
Adult Fencing
Fencing for recreation
Intermediate classes are fun and social, and provide a good physical workout. The focus is on moderately paced learning and adding to basic skills. We aim to provide a casual environment in which adults can practice the sport of Olympic fencing for fun. Classes are available in all three sport weapons as well as the historical two-handed sword and rapier.
Bouting - free fencing
VAF members may come in for bouting, also known as free fencing, any time that the facility is open for training. Those with experience often assist those who are new to fencing. Supervised free fencing sessions are available for all ages as well.
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 Cup (NAC). 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.