Are anyone's kids into fencing?

[nancypants]

My sons keep talking about wanting to learn fencing. I don't even know where to begin or what the prices for this are like (I'm just imagining they are quite high for some reason.)

Any thoughts?

[Kanga]

We actually have a fencing instructor come to our co-op. When we lived in other locations we have taken fencing through the parks and rec and at a local college. It has always been reasonably priced (less than $40.00 a month for weekly lessons).

[sdWTMer]

When we were in Houston, my son went to a great place called Salle Mauro. Anyway, here in San Diego, there is one close by but very expensive. The one in Houston let us just use their equipment as part of the fee, but not the one here. :(

My boys would absolutely love to get back into fencing.

[Old Dominion Heather]

I was going to let my oldest (8) take fencing at our co-op this year, but eight is the minimum age the instructor takes, so ds5 couldn't do it with him, though he needed a physical outlet just as much. Our co-op charges $40 a month for each kid for lessons. Once he found out about having to wear the outfit, he wasn't really all that interested. They also had to only fence (of course) with blunt sword thingies. That also didn't appeal to him.

Now we just go for art and hang out and play basketball and skateboard in the gym afterward.

[Ellie]

whose ds has been taking classes for several years.

I *love* fencing. I have my own equipment and everything :D

Sometimes local colleges have fencing classes.

[abbeyej]

Ds takes fencing with a coach who comes to our home school group. (A number of the older kids who've started with this coach now also go to other classes through the same fencing club and compete in tournaments.) We pay $120 for ten weeks (an hour a week) and the coach provides equipment. Again, the kids who have really committed to it buy their own equipment (and it can certainly be an investment, like any sport), but for beginners, this works well.

Unfortunately, I teach during the same hour when ds has lessons, so I've never actually gotten to watch! :)

[percytruffle]

Ds, 17, fences. He has taken group lessons for two years now and absolutely loves it! He has class once a week for an hour. The instructor brings enough equipment for everyone so you don't have to have your own, but we bought ds his own stuff for Christmas this year. We pay about $8 per lesson and they are set up in courses that have about 8 lessons each. When he finishes one we sign him right up for the next one and continue on. They are given at a local arts center, but they are also available through continuing education at the school district.

I think we spent about $150 to set him up with his beginner equipment, and the stuff is really great quality. We were pleased. Here's the site for future shopping reference.;) Blue Guantlet (https://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/)

After he has been at it for a while longer he may get into some fencing clubs and/or competitions. It is a great life-long sport. There is a woman in his class who is in her 60's and has fenced for a long time. It helps keep her in shape.

[GreenKitty]

My oldest wants to, their is a class starting soon. I was not sure about the cost of the outfit. Tthat is until I read this thread. :) Thanks for that link, I am bookmarking it.

[Chris in VA]

Wow, you guys got off easy--we pay around $105 a month for one lesson per week, plus unlimited (except by their schedule) free fencing at the academy. We also get a $100 certificate for signing up for the year, good for equipment.
Ds takes historical swords at Virginia Academy of Fencing. It's more of a club. Other fencers there do the "normal" fencing and go to competitions if they want to. Ds had to take two rounds of lessons in foil/sabre before getting into historical swords.It's great fun!

[Colleen]

I'd love to learn to fence ~ and have my guys get on board, too. Several years ago Hans took our oldest to a "try out fencing" event held here locally. My son really enjoyed it so I considered enrolling him in classes ~ until I saw the prices. Talk about sticker shock! I'm surprised at the low rates many in this thread have mentioned. I'm glad you asked about this, because I've been wanting to look into it again, see if there are some other options available now, etc. Hope it works out for you!

[Jennifer in MI]

My ds (11) fences. We pay $50/month for two times/week (one hour each). Really, quite cheap, IMHO! We also bought him his own equipment for around $150. He was able to use the club's equipment for the first year or so though.

He LOVES it!! And, he likes showing off his swords to his friends! :D

[Rebel]

My ds has been fencing for three years. He loves it! We recently changed from a laid-back homeschool fencing class to one based at our local university, because ds felt he was not being challenged or progressing. He has his own equipment and I also recommend Blue Gauntlet for equipment. He has just decided to become competitive so now we have to buy all the electrical gear too. Luckily, fencing gear is reasonably priced. Another one of ds's activities started as an off-shoot of fencing. He participates in Renaissance re-enactment fighting. The fencing stuff is real, but the swordplay is choreographed stage fighting. (Somebody did get stabbed in the leg once though...)

[Caroline in CA]

My Dd 18 and Dd 14 have been fencing for over six years and I and my fiance have just started this year. Our club has equipment available for use if you need it; I bought the girls their own equipment soon after they started though. We pay $82 a month for unlimited classes and open fencing.

Both Dds have competed at local and national tournaments and really love the sport. The older is now in college and is competing with her school team. She is hoping to make it into the NCAA Championships in a couple of weeks.

We've been lucky to watch a brother and sister start fencing at our club eight years ago and now see them each rated as one of the top five fencers in the country in foil. They are both hoping to make the Olympic team.

I enjoy the fact that all ages can fence together and you can continue this sport your whole life.