Those who have never fenced before, or have less than six months of experience, start with the Beginner program.
Instruction will include learning proper fencing position, how to hold the weapon, and the foundational footwork.
The program also includes eye-hand coordination drills, learning the basic attacks and parries (blocks), and the basic rules of fencing.
Group classes are held on:
Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Once fencers have mastered the basics, they are ready to step up to the intermediate level, where the exercises become more complicated and the focus moves to speed, agility, and stamina.
Fencers are introduced to electrical scoring equipment, and group bouting. At this stage, students are encouraged to participate in local, regional, and national tournaments.
Group classes are held on:
Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Fencers who seek national and international results learn complex offensive sequences and more complex footwork. A lot of attention is given to mental preparedness and strategies.
Men Foil Group classes are held on:
Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Women Foil Group classes are held on:
Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Co-ed Foil Group classes are held on:
Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fridays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Programs are organized around four levels that best reflect the natural developmental process of improving fencers. At each level, we have recommended the number of private lessons we believe are needed to allow fencers to grow to the next level. GSFA coaches will recommend the most appropriate level and number of privates for each fencer prior to enrollment.
Recommended for Beginner Level
One Group Class per week
One 20-minute private lesson per week
Recommended for Intermediate Level
Two Group Classes per week
Two 20-minute private lessons per week
Recommended for Advanced Level
Three Group Classes per week
Two 40-minute or three 20-minute private lessons per week
Recommended for Serious Athletes at any Level
Unlimited classes and open bouting
Two to three 40-minute private lessons per week