Fencing is considered one of the safest sports due to its well-designed equipment, safety protocols, and emphasis on proper training and technique.
According to this study released by the University of Oslo, Norway, fencing is safer than badminton!
Contrary to popular belief that one gets “stabbed” by a blade, fencing gear is made of special fabric, tested and approved by the FIE (International Fencing Federation), which consists of several layers, including a plastic check plate.
The “weapon” (in our case, the épée) features a round, depressible button connected to a wire that indicates the “touch” (point) when triggered. Nothing in the weapon is sharp or can cause pain or injury.
Memberships Descriptions and Fees
Only Beginner Memberships can be purchased online
Advanced fencers, contact us here if interested in joining us.
Beginner Classes
Musketeers/Youth Learn to Fence
Ages 7-9/10-12
– $165.00/month – one 60-minute class per week
– $250.00/month – two classes per week
– $295/month – three classes per week
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
Teens Learn To Fence
Ages 13-15
– $180/month – one 90-minute class
– $275.00/month – two classes per week
– $365.00/month – three classes
– $425.00/month – four classes
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
After one year in this program, an annual club membership fee will be applied.
Adult Learn To Fence
Ages 16+
– $180.00/month -> one 90-minute class
– $275.00/month –>two classes per week
Fencing gear available for rent or purchase.
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
Pre-Competitive and Competitive Classes
Youth Invitational
Ages 8-11
– $265.00/month – two 60-minute weekly classes
– This is considered a competitive program and is paired with the annual club membership.
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
Teens Advanced
Ages 13-15
– $180/month – one 90-minute class
– $295.00/month – two classes per week
– $365.00/month – three classes
This is a competitive program and is paired with the annual club membership.
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
Youth Competitive
Ages 9+
– $340.00/month – two, 2-hour classes
– $420.00/month – three, 2-hour classes, and weekly open bouting.
This is a competitive program and is paired with the annual club membership.
Program description
Enrollment Process
Gear rental
Tuition Policy
Cambridge Class Schedule
Newton Class Schedule
Elite Competitive
Ages 11+
Our most advanced program, based exclusively on invitation.
The students in this program compete at the national and international levels.
Historically, Olympia Fencing Center has proudly produced consecutive generations of NCAA, national, world, and Olympic champions since 2012, being recognized as the most successful fencing club in the Northeast region!
Program requirements:
- At least three years of competitive fencing experience.
- Three, 2-hour classes per week, and open bouting on Sunday.
- Three to five private lessons per week, and participation in all major national tournaments.
Goals include making the US National Team, qualifying for the Cadet and Junior World Cups and Championships, and being recruited by NCAA and Ivy League fencing teams.
Goal-setting with an advanced coach is included, along with a custom competition plan for each season.
This membership level cannot be purchased online.
Please contact us here for more information regarding this program.
Adult Competitive
(Ages 17+)
– $275.00/ month –> two 90-minute classes per week, and weekly open bouting.
This is a competitive program and is paired with the annual club membership.
* Fencing classes for homeschoolers
A recreational program designed for girls and boys ages 9-14, interested to learn to fence or practicing, both recreational and competitive.
Full equipment is provided to all beginners. Private lessons can be scheduled with the class coaches after class hours.
Read more details about enrolling, gear rental and return, and tuition policy on this page.
A basic, “Access” type USFA membership is required.
– $165.00/month – one 60-minute class per week
– $245.00/month – two classes per week
– $295.00/month – three classes per week
Classes forming now.
Please contact us for scheduling.
Members Only
A monthly basic membership for those who prefer private lessons only (payable separately), and/or Sunday open bouting (no floor fee).
Cost: $110.00/month
This program type doesn’t include group classes.
Private lessons are scheduled based on availability. Email us for more information.
An active USFA membership is required.
Open Fencing
Available to fencers with a valid USFA or FIE license, at least three years of competitive experience, or enrolled in a competitive program.
Visitors – $30.00 floor fee ($25.00 for college students) – cash only for non-members.
Full fencing gear is required; bring your own weapon and body cord.
Rentals are available for an additional $15.00 fee.
Select college students, NCAA athletes, and Olympia’s former students fence for free. Contact us here to see if you qualify.
An active USFA membership is required.
Club Membership
$400.00/individual, $600/family of two, or $800.00/family of three or more
An annual membership for students enrolled in any program above the beginner programs, or for those ages 12 and up, after their first year from the enrollment date.
This includes:
- Club patch, affiliation, and representation at competitions
- Sizing and fencing gear ordering at the same price as the vendors
- Access to changing rooms/bag storage
- Guidance on starting competitions for those new to the sport, including customised seasonal plans.
- Free parent seminars throughout the season ($30 for non-members)
- Documentation and checklists for competitions.
- Strip coaching at competitions by Olympia coaches (paid additionally)
Coaching by coaches from other clubs is forbidden and may result in expulsion. - Priority to limited-access camps and clinics
- Private lessons with OFC coaches (paid additionally)
- Access to member-only events
- Access to both locations (needs pre-approval)
- Open bouting sessions (invitational/free)
- Use of rental equipment (paid additionally)
- Access to the armory (self-service/free) or armory services (paid additionally)
Private Lessons
Private sessions are geared toward personal fencing/athletic development. In addition to the footwork/bladework sessions, coaches and students may use this time to discuss the student’s progress, fencing goals, create individualised workouts, do video analysis, and ask questions.
This is a great time to connect with your coach and establish a trusting relationship that may be useful while receiving strip coaching during competitions.
Private lessons can start as soon as a student begins learning to fence and should be gradually increased in number as the student progresses through the levels. A student in the Elite program (our highest level program) takes three to five weekly private lessons.
Private lessons are booked on an ongoing basis, at the day and time established with your assigned coach, and are payable by credit card, check, or directly to your coach.
All students enrolled in private lessons are subject to the annual club fee.
Owning your own weapon is required to take private lessons. Our office is glad to place orders and put together your first weapon at the same price as the vendors; contact us here.
Non-members/Pay-by-Class
This is an option for existing fencers currently enrolled with other clubs to check out some of our advanced classes. A maximum of two classes is allowed.
If you decide to join our club, your trial class fee can be deducted from your first month’s fee.
- $70.00/class – all competitive classes
- $45 – all pre-competitive
Private lessons are available exclusively to club members, last 25 minutes, and must be scheduled in advance.
Non-members can try two private lessons before joining.
For more private lessons, membership is required: $110.00/month
Competitive students enrolled in the basic membership type ($110.00) and taking private lessons with OFC coaches must pay the annual club fee.
Please note that Olympia Fencing Center doesn’t allow dual memberships.
Ready to become a member of the largest épée fencing club in the country??
Click on this link to start your registration process!