// Programs

Fencing Programs & Classes

Bay Area Fencing Club is committed to the long-term success and development of every fencer. To provide the best training experience, our curriculum is structured into three dedicated tracks:

  • Pre-Competitive: Building core fundamentals and a love for the sport.
  • Competitive: High-performance training for tournament success.
  • Adult: Fitness, skill-building, and community for adult fencers.
BAFC fencer in USA uniform preparing to compete

Pre-Competitive


Ages 5–6

Lil' Pirates

Level: Introductory

Designed specifically for young beginners, this program introduces the fundamentals of fencing through fun, movement-based activities that build agility, balance, and coordination. Fencers learn in a safe, supportive environment using specialized plastic equipment.


Ages 7+

Beginner Fencing

LEVEL: BEGINNING · FREQUENCY: 1X~2X / WEEK

The perfect launchpad for new fencers. Students learn core footwork, blade control, and foundational bouting tactics while cultivating sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience.

Fencing is a technical sport that develops through consistent repetition. Two weekly sessions help children retain what they learn, build confidence more quickly, and enjoy steady progress. While one class per week is a great way to try the sport, most students improve significantly faster when they attend twice a week.

Equipment:
Provided for new students.
Recommendation:
1 private lesson per week in addition to group classes to enhance skill development.

Competitive


Invited / Evaluated

Pre-Intermediate & Intermediate Fencing

Level: Intermediate · Frequency: 2x / week

Fencers transition to electric scoring equipment, refine tactical strategies, and train closely with teammates in a competitive practice environment. Athletes remain in this tier until invited into the Elite program.

Admission:
By Coach Invitation or Evaluation.
Requirements:
USA Fencing Competitive Membership & personal gear.
Recommendation:
1–2 private lessons per week.

Advanced / Elite

Advanced & Elite Fencing

Level: Competitive · Frequency: 4x / week

An intensive, high-performance program featuring rigorous footwork, advanced blade work, physical conditioning, and strategic bouting. Designed to prepare athletes for top-tier state, national, and international competition.

Requirements:
USA Fencing Competitive Membership.
Recommendation:
2–4 private lessons per week.

Adult


Ages 18+

Adult Fencing

Fencing is a life time sport. There are official tournaments for ages from 8 years old to over 80+. Fencing for adults of all experience levels — from complete beginners to former competitors returning to the sport. Learn footwork, blade work, and bouting in a supportive environment. A great full-body workout that sharpens focus, agility, and strategic thinking.

Adult fencer competing at USA Fencing tournament

Equipment

Lil' Pirates & Beginning

To start fencing at BAFC, all you need are long pants and closed-toe shoes. After a month or so, we recommend acquiring:

  • —Fencing Mask
  • —Glove
  • —Jacket

Pre-Intermediate & Intermediate

On entry into these programs, parents should purchase:

  • —Fencing Mask — weapon specific
  • —Fencing Glove — weapon specific
  • —Jacket
  • —Lame (electric jacket/vest for Saber/Foil)
  • —Underarm Protector
  • —Knickers (fencing pants)
  • —Body Cords (2 prong)
  • —Mask Cords
  • —Weapon (1–2)
  • —Long socks
  • —Chest Protector (chest guard for females)
  • —Fencing Bag (optional)
// Schedules

Class Schedule

Los Gatos

Little Pirates (ages 5–6, 1 day/wk)
Mon 4:20–5:20Fri 4:20–5:20Sat 9:00–10:00Sat 1:30–2:00
Beginning (ages 7–10, 1 day/wk)
Wed 4:20–5:20Thu 4:20–5:20Sat 10:00–11:00Sat 12:30–1:30
Beginning (ages 11+, 1 day/wk)
Fri 4:20–5:20
Pre-Intermediate Foil (2 days/wk)
Mon/Wed 4:00–5:30
Intermediate Foil (2 days/wk)
Tue/Thu 4:00–5:30
Intermediate Epee (2 days/wk)
Mon/Wed 5:30–7:00Tue/Thu 5:30–7:00Make-up Sat 11:00–12:30
Intermediate Saber (2 days/wk)
Tue/Thu 5:30–7:00
Varsity (2 days/wk)
Tue 4:00–5:30Sat 11:00–1:00
Advanced Epee (3 days/wk)
Wed/Fri 7:00–9:00Sat 11:00–1:00
Competitive Youth Foil (3 days/wk)
Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30–7:00
Competitive Cadet/Junior Foil (4 days/wk)
By Invitation Only — Contact the Club
Competitive Saber (4 days/wk)
By Invitation Only — Contact the Club
Competitive Epee (4 days/wk)
By Invitation Only — Contact the Club

Pleasanton

Little Pirates (ages 5–6)
Tue 5:00–6:00Sat 2:30–3:30
Beginning (ages 7–10)
Tue 4:00–5:00Wed 4:00–5:00Thu 4:00–5:00Fri 4:00–5:00Sat 9:00–10:00Sat 1:00–2:00
Beginning (ages 11+)
Mon 4:00–5:00Sat 11:00–12:00
Pre-Intermediate
Wed 6:00–7:30Fri 6:00–7:30Sat 10:00–11:30
Intermediate Foil
Tue/Thu 5:00–6:30Sat 2:00–3:30
Intermediate Foil (ages 11+)
Mon 6:00–7:30Thu 6:00–7:30
Competitive Foil
By invitation — call (925) 236-0280

Holidays

Closed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve.