Discover the Best Fencing Classes in NYC
A tactical combat sport, fencing consists of two opponents that use swords to strike each other in order to accrue points. This athletic and strategic practice has far-reaching roots; evidence of sword fighting dates back to Ancient Egypt in 1190 BCE. Although it eventually became a sport in the 14th or 15th century, fencing was originally used as a military training program.
Equal parts strategy and athleticism, fencing requires expert coordination, strength, and speed. It’s this combination of physical fitness and mental agility that has made fencing a permanent fixture at the Olympic Games since 1896. While often considered a sport for the elite, the art of fencing has gained more mainstream recognition over the years. Through the development of more inclusive fencing clubs, the sport of fencing is more accessible now than ever before.
Why You Should Learn Fencing in NYC
Living in a city as large as New York, there’s no shortage of things to do. But, odds are that you don’t know too many people (if any) that are avid fencers. While the practice is still considered relatively niche, there are plenty of reasons why you should pursue the sport.
Do you love physical fitness but dislike group sports like soccer, football, and basketball? While fencers often are part of a team within a fencing club, the actual matches (bouts) are strictly one-on-one. The objective of each bout is to land hits, known as touches, on your opponent's body.
While you don’t have to participate in a group sport, fencers are typically part of a team, allowing you to make friends with your teammates. Joining a fencing club lets you become a contributing member of a larger community as you’ll often practice with athletes outside of your team. New York is home to several highly-ranked fencing clubs with both competitive programs and classes for beginners.
Fencing requires a tactical and strategic mindset. The intense focus and intentional breathwork that are needed can often encourage mindfulness and help to relieve stress. Fencing is also a very physical practice that can help you release energy and boost endorphins, aiding in anxiety reduction. In short, it is a worthwhile exercise for both body and mind.
Want to think (and be) quicker on your feet? Fencing can teach you that. Developing and using both offensive and defensive strategies, fencing is a chance to practice quick decision-making by learning to trust yourself and your reaction time. As a physical practice, fencing is all about the footwork. Being quick on your feet requires expert coordination and stability, two attributes that have endless benefits in your day-to-day life.
There are truly so many reasons to learn fencing. Whether you’re looking for physical or mental benefits, you can find both in this mind-body sport.
In-Person Fencing Classes & Schools in NYC
New York is home to several top-ranked fencing clubs. Scattered across the city, each club offers a variety of classes, from group classes to private training, for fencers of all levels. Certain fencing clubs may specialize in a specific fencing discipline, so it’s important to know which style of fencing interests you.
Founded in 2010, the New York Fencing Company boasts a state-of-the-art club with six fencing strips. They offer a variety of classes for both children and adults that aim to help people discover and enjoy the art of fencing while advancing awareness of the sport. Conditioning For Fencing is one class option and is suited for anyone over the age of 12. Under the tutelage of an expert fencer, students will learn stretching exercises and intense workouts to improve their general body strength, speed, coordination, and endurance.
Intermediate Fencing is available at the New York Fencing Company for those that are ready to level up. Focused on a higher level of footwork, bouting tactics, and technical skills, this class still maintains an emphasis on etiquette and sportsmanship. As this is an intermediate-level course, students are required to have at least half a year of fencing experience under their belt.
You can also practice your fencing footwork at the New York Fencing Academy. Suitable for all levels, this class focuses on intense fencing footwork to improve your speed, technique, and control of distance. The price of this class includes the required $20 daily floor fee, so there’s nothing additional to pay on the day of class.
Located in the West Village, Martinez Academy of Arms leads a beginner fencing course. Students will begin by learning footwork, how to grip the weapon and the positions of the hand. You’ll learn about classical and historical fencing with individualized training. Students can choose to learn with a variety of French and Italian weapons and will work to master the centuries-old etiquette of traditional fencing.
If you’re out near Queens you can join a group fencing class at Woodside Fencing Center. Designed for all levels and suitable for ages 10 and up, students will learn discipline, develop sharper reaction times, and get a full-body workout while building their self-confidence. It should be noted that there is an additional $10 fee for renting equipment, so bring your own (if you have it).
The Manhattan Fencing Center offers a beginner sabre fencing class in Midtown. The class is taught by none other than Vladymyr Lukashenko, World Champion, and 2012 Japanese Olympic Team Coach! Students will master the sabre by learning priority rules and footwork, and can then practice their new skills in the open fencing gym.
Home to various nationally ranked fencers, New Amsterdam Fencing Academy offers Fencing for Beginners. Located on the Upper West Side, these semi-private classes teach students footwork, blade work, and how to bout. With a distinctive program influenced by some of the most successful systems in Europe, students can start with the basics, build upon previously existing skills, or train for upcoming competitions.
Virtual Fencing Classes & Schools
Do you want to avoid another crowded public transit commute? Does working and living in New York have you keeping odd hours? Online fencing classes allow you to choose your location, typically can accommodate a wider variety of schedules, and are still taught by expert fencing instructors.
Designed for growing and ambitious young minds, Dedimus Potestatem offers a virtual teen fencing camp for athletes 12-19 years old. Comprised of 15 hours of virtual instruction, athletes will learn the basics of sabre fencing combined with leadership skills and how to draft and present legislation as members of the United States Congress. This course helps teens master lifelong skills that will benefit them outside of their sports and academics, helping them become well-rounded citizens and leaders.
While not specifically focused on fencing, there are several other online courses that could help hone the same skills. Tai Chi Beginner Virtual educates students on the fundamental principles and movements of Tai Chi. Students can improve their balance and strength, and learn to eliminate distractions, all skills that are extremely beneficial for fencers.
Gratitude & Grace Meditation Series is hosted by CNTRD Wellness and teaches students how to practice gratitude as a way to get back in touch with their purpose and intuition. Meditation can help you learn to calm your central nervous system, a handy skill to have in high-stress situations, like a fencing bout. The first few minutes of the class will break down the topic or technique, with the remaining time allotted for you to practice your new skills.
Help maintain the health of your muscles and joints with Gentle Hatha Yoga. This class teaches you how to slowly build strength and flexibility through yoga poses, two things that are crucial to fencing (and to the prevention of athletic injuries). Each session is one hour and is structured like a drop-in so you can choose how often you’d like to attend.
Balance Arts Center offers Fundamentals in Flow, Balance & Stability, a 90-minute course that guides you through fundamental movement practices. This class encourages the connection between mind and body by improving your balance and coordination. Once you’ve established proper posture at the beginning of class, you’ll apply that posture to balance and stability movements.
If these courses aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, don’t fret! New online classes are constantly becoming available so make sure to check the CourseHorse site often for new online fencing class offerings.
Private Group Fencing Classes in NYC
Looking to throw a special event for your business or organization? CourseHorse offers private online group classes, just for you! While there may not be any fencing classes for private groups currently listed, you can always reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn more about your options.
While not specifically about fencing, Virtual Group Stretching & Alignment is currently available and focuses on increasing flexibility through various techniques used by dancers. This class will provide you with ample knowledge on how to expand your range of motion and prevent injury, which is extremely helpful when you’re in a fencing bout.
Plus, booking is simple and stress-free. There are zero booking fees and you can change the size of your group after booking if needed. You’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours and can choose from multiple supported platforms to fit your group’s needs.