Beginner fencing classes starting Monday, April 14 and Thursday, April 17, 2008!

The Charlottesville Fencing Alliance is a USFA (United States Fencing Association) Club in the Virginia Division. While many of our members choose to fence competitively, many others prefer to fence as a form of recreational exercise. Our club allows you to choose how you want to fence.

Our beginners classes are for those who are new to the sport as well as those who have not fenced in a long time and want a refresher. The classes are taught by the CFA coaching staff. Basics of fencing footwork, blade-work, and strategy are taught. Over the course of the beginner's class, we will get the student used to the motions of fencing, and start to strengthen the legs and upper body with targeted exercise. This also provides both cardiovascular and anaerobic exercise. By the end of the course the student will be able to fence safely, and will be ready for more intermediate level lessons.

If at the end of this class there is a desire to continue in the sport, there are other classes as well as private lessons available to members.

Our current beginners class runs 8 weeks (1 night per week) and is for anyone ages 8 and up.
There are two options for beginners classes:

• Youth and Families (All Ages) Beginners Class - designed especially for families who want to spend quality time together and youth fencers. Anyone ages 8 and up is welcome in this class. Our next two cycles of classes start Monday, April 14, and Thursday, April 17, 2008.
• Adults Only Beginners Class - designed for anyone age 16+. Spend time with your friend or partner, meet new people, and get a great work out all at once. Our last cycle of classes started Thursday, February 21, 2008.



All classes are held at our fencing salle, 1731 Allied St, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Beginner's Class Costs

We are currently charging $150 per person for the 8 week session. This cost includes use of club-owned USFA approved fencing gear (required) during the class. Students should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. There are discounts for multiple family members taking a beginners class together - please ask us.

If desired, a personal set of gear (beginner's kit) can be purchased through the club for $125.00 (this is in addition to the cost of the class). The kit consists of a mask, jacket, glove, and sword. You can, of course, also purchase the required gear from another fencing equipment vendor. However, we recommend purchase though our club to ensure you are properly fitted for the safety equipment and that it meets current USFA standards.

To sign up, or if you have questions, contact James Faine.