Dear all,
My name is Ilya Lobanenkov and I would enjoy introducing you to modern, Olympic style fencing. I hope you fall in love with this sport and that it may help you in many aspects of life in general. It’s a great cardio workout that’s a lot more fun than running or stairmaster, 
There is now an Meetup group for an ongoing Teen/Adult Beginner’s Class.
It is a “drop-in” class that will run every Saturday at 11am to 1pm as long as there are 3 RSVPs. $45 per person and all equipment is provided. 10% discount ($162) for purchases of four classes. 1/2 price discount for up to two guests of the initial RSVP.
Click here to join the Ongoing Beginner Fencing class/work-out group.
Once you attend at least four classes and pass an evalutation, you can join DCFC and fence to your heart’s content anytime you like!
If this group class does not work for you, please see the DCFC Classes page for additional class times.
Private lessons with me are paid for directly to me as I am an independent contractor at the club. These are available every Monday and Wednesday between 7pm and 10pm, please call me at 240 462 2161 for further details.
Why fencing? Some reasons heard during my career:
- Improved fitness, improved confidence, and a more defined self.
- It’s a real combat, except no one gets injured and you walk away friends.
- It is physical chess: set up the control of your opponent, create the openings, go for a touch, then the checkmate of victory.
- It makes one feel like you can fly. There is nothing better than a perfectly executed attack with a screaming finish.
- It helps you stay in shape without mind numbing cardio.
- The competitive journey: amazing places and interesting people that become life long friends.
- Got me out of gym class and then I stuck with it.
- I’m tall but hate basketball. Epee for the win.
- Got me a scholarship to college and I stuck with it. Yes, fencing is part of the NCAA and there are people who got significant scholarships through fencing.
- Want to beat up on my sister, brother, husband, wife, mother, father, child, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandson or just some random person I never met before today…
- Want to get away from the aforementioned people.
- Hate loosing…
- Love winning…
- Great stress relief.
- It brings out both best and worst aspects of a person’s character. Nourish the best, identify and resolve the worst.
- Keeps my ego in check.
…and your personal reason will be more than welcome in this list.
What are the goals of the classes?
- Basic history, rules and etiquette.
- Warming up, stretching and a general work-out.
- The on-guard position.
- Basic footwork: advance, retreat, lunge, fleche. Distance control.
- Basic blade work: extension (the thrust of the arm), parry six, four, seven, eight.
- Bouting etiquette and process.
- Introduction to electric equipment.
- Fencing a fully geared, electric bout just like in USFA tournaments.
- Directing a bout.
- USFA Tournaments and competition format and philosophy.
After about four sessions, you will be eligible to “test out” and join DCFC as a full member. Testing includes basic footwork, bladework, hooking up electric, etiquette and directing a bout. Testing is free, but failure means you must attend four more sessions. If you pass the test, you’re still welcome to attent the classes to improve and work out.
Hi, my 8 yr. old is interested in fencing. However, we live in Frederick, Md. Would you let me know if their is a fencing class around this area.
Thank you,
Valerie Fleming
There is a fencing club that meets in Frederick MD. Their website is http://www.swordsmen101.com/index.html
As far as I’m aware, there is no club directly in Frederick. We do have a number of people that commute to our club weekly from that area and even from further north. I imagine it’s worth it,
Hey…
I realized I only have Denise’s email address, so I’m posting here… Are you available for lessons Monday at 8 (or earlier is better)?
Hi,
I was wondering if I could set up a private group of classes for my daughter? What’s a good day for you? She’s never taken fencing before and I think to introduce her to it……some private classes will give her an idea of what fencing is all about.
Thanks for your time,
Graciela Bruno
Is there a beginner class that my 14 year old daughter can sign up for. Is the only option the private lesson 4-pack?
When is the Spring beginner class for adults? How many classes per session?
There is no spring beginner class, we run one class per year, in the fall. Beginner private lessons are available though.
EDIT: there is no official DCFC class session other than the one mentioned above. I am starting an on-going class here.
I am interested in a beginner’s class for my 10 year old granddaughter, preferably in the Annapolis, MD area however, I am willing to travel to Bethesda if this is the only option. Are there classes available for children of her age?
The Saturday class is for kids 13 years old and up. Right now, the only
other option is taking private lessons. There will be a new set of kids
classes starting in the early fall and we will have camps in the summer.
Please let me know if you would like further information.
Where can I get more information about your summer camp for fencing I did not see any notice yet on it in the website.
My daughter is 13 and interested in trying fencing.
It’s on the DCFC main page
My son is 7 years old and we are looking for fencing classes. All of the classes I have found so far will not take kids under the age of 8. Do you teach 7 year olds or know of anyone who does? He had started classes with the DC Fencing Federation, then they came up with the 8 year old minimum rule and he had to stop and was sorely disappointed.
Thankyou, Kimberlee Locke- Bukowski