Why are private lessons important?
While group classes (including footwork, distance, and drills) are essential for learning to fence, from an instructor’s perspective, it’s impossible to spot every student’s incorrect position or movement.
Even if they tried, it would disrupt the class dynamic, diminish the enjoyment of the sport, and make the session boring. This is why it’s essential to get your private instructor’s perspective.
Private lessons are one-on-one instruction between a coach and a student, and they are crucial to a student’s development as a successful fencer and athlete.
Because everyone’s technique is unique, during a private lesson, the coach addresses the fencer’s specific needs, taking into account their current level and knowledge, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Please note that group practice sessions and private sessions complement each other; reducing your group sessions and
Adding (more) private lessons instead is not helping the fencer’s development.
One weekly group practice is not even far enough for those with competitive plans.
For young fencers with competitive aspirations, we recommend starting with two weekly group sessions and one or two private lessons.
In a private lesson, a fencer will learn techniques and, through repetition, will build muscle memory for the techniques that can be used in bouting with an opponent.
The act of holding your weapon in your hand, extending your arm, and hitting the target that is right in front of you is the most general example of actions that a beginner can rarely do correctly.
Through private lessons, the fencing coach will help you establish a solid foundation of movements that gradually develop into more complex actions.
Here are some basic areas that your fencing coach will be able to help you perfect during your private lessons:
- Grip on the blade and wrist position
- Stance and weight distribution
- Chin, head, and shoulder position
- Distance and proper footwork
- Balance
- Coordination of the arms, legs, and hands.
Some fencing clubs offer 20-minute private lessons, depending on their approach and lesson structure.
At Olympia, private lessons are 25 minutes long, and, upon request, we assign a matching instructor to each student. In general, we recommend taking private lessons with your class instructor, since there is already a connection created between the student and the coach. However, if the class coach is unavailable, or if we believe a different instructor is a better fit for your style and personality, we’ll try to connect you with the best match.
Depending on your age, goals, and fencing background, one weekly lesson is a good way to start. Most of our advanced fencers who achieve the best results take four to five private lessons per week.
Read more here about preparing for private lessons and the physical benefits.
We aim to help our students build solid knowledge and achieve their best possible results.
- Private lessons are available to club members with any active class membership.
For those who prefer to take lessons only, a basic membership is required at $110.00/month (private lessons paid separately). - An annual fee of $400.00/individual applies to all those taking private lessons. This covers weapon/armory services and more. See what’s included here.
- All students who start private lessons must have their own practice weapon ( épée) and body-cord.
We are fully stocked with multiple options for blades and weapon parts; see the Beginner Equipment Price List here. - Private lessons are 25 minutes long and are to be paid for at the time of the lesson.
Payments can be made by credit card, check, cash, or other agreed-upon methods. - Private lesson spots are booked on an ongoing basis (weekly, on the same day/time) until written notice of cancellation is provided.
- Attendance is crucial in a fencer’s development, and failing to attend your lessons more than two consecutive times (even with notice) may result in losing your spot. Sickness and vacation can be counted as exceptions.
- Private lessons can be cancelled at any time at the management’s discretion, upon notice.
- There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for all private lessons; no-shows will be charged the full price, billed to the credit card on file.
Ready to schedule your first private lesson??
Send us a message, and we’ll get right back to you!
Videotaping or photographing private lessons, class sessions, students, or coaches without management permission is prohibited and may result in exclusion.
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