Frequently Asked Questions

No. We teach athletes starting at age 6 through adulthood. Many world-class fencers didn't start until age 10-12 or later. The best age to start is whenever your child is interested.

Fencing is perfect for athletes of all backgrounds. We build confidence from day one. Many parents report that fencing helps their kids discover a passion they didn't know they had.

Absolutely. Fencing is a controlled, low-risk sport—blunted blades, full protective gear, and equipment that meets strict safety standards keep athletes safe from day one. Even with weapons in hand, it’s safer than many Olympic sports, letting athletes focus on skill, speed, and confidence without unnecessary risk.

We make it easy to get started. For the first 60–90 days, we provide all required fencing equipment at no cost, allowing athletes to focus on learning strong fundamentals from day one. After that period, fencers transition to their own personal gear. Properly fitted equipment is essential for safety, hygiene, consistent performance, and tournament readiness—and simply fits and feels better than shared gear. Fencing equipment isn’t sold locally in the great Columbus area and is best purchased through specialized fencing vendors, rather than mass-market retailers (e.g. Amazon). We guide families through ordering from our trusted vendors, ensuring every athlete is equipped for long-term success on the strip.

Fencers learn best through consistent training. Youth athletes at all levels are expected to attend group classes twice per week and take a minimum of one private lesson per month, building strong fundamentals and steady progress over time. Alternate attendance arrangements may be considered through a direct conversation with our Director of Member Services, allowing us to understand your family’s unique scheduling situation and determine the best training plan. Adult beginners may start with one class per week, while athletes pursuing competitive advancement often add additional classes and private lessons as their goals grow. We strive to offer flexible scheduling to support each family’s needs while maintaining the consistency that leads to success on the strip.

Competition is a powerful growth opportunity—but it’s never required. Some athletes who take to fencing quickly may be ready to compete within a few months, while most benefit from 6–9 months of consistent training to build the skills and confidence needed to succeed. We introduce competition progressively, starting with low-pressure local and in-house events, then advancing to regional and national tournaments as athletes develop. Whether a fencer chooses to compete right away or focuses on training and personal growth, we support each athlete’s journey at the pace that’s right for them.

We believe families should experience fencing firsthand before making a commitment. That’s why every new athlete is invited to a free trial class, where they’ll warm up and play fencing-related games with current students, observe live bouts, and receive a bit of one-on-one coaching for a true hands-on introduction to the sport. Tuition varies based on training frequency and goals. On average, monthly fencing tuition is $445, which includes two group classes and four private lessons per month. This structure supports consistent development and meaningful progress. When alternate attendance arrangements are warranted, families are encouraged to speak directly with our Director of Member Services. In some cases, alternate training and pricing plans may be available to ensure the right fit for each athlete.

Private lessons are a core part of our training model. For youth beginners, private instruction is required and included in monthly tuition, ensuring each athlete receives individualized coaching and technical guidance from the start. Many athletes choose to accelerate their progress by adding additional or double private lessons each week, with flexible add-on options available as goals grow. Adult beginners training through our recreational programs are strongly encouraged to add private lessons to enhance skill development and confidence on the strip. Focused, one-on-one coaching is where fundamentals are refined—and where real breakthroughs happen.

Great question! Parents are welcome and encouraged to observe training. Many families find it's wonderful to watch their child develop new skills and confidence. We provide observation areas with good sight-lines.

Try a free trial class! Most families find that kids fall in love with the sport quickly. If you're unsure, a trial is the perfect way to explore.