Classes & More
Photo from Spring 2024. See text for current dates.
Introduction to Fencing
New to fencing? Start here! Our All-Ages Intro class welcomes fencers ages 10 years to adult.
Registration for Spring 2024 has closed. We are currently working on the scheduling for future offerings.
Contact us if you would like to be added to our mailing list.
Yes, this is how we all see ourselves as fencers!
Fundamentals
You loved the Intro course (of course you did)! Let's give you a foundation to build on!
(Click to read more.)
Prerequisite: successful completion of the Intro to Fencing course, or equivalent experience and coach’s permission.
This course is a continuation of the Intro to Fencing course for those who wish to continue their training at Riverside.
Building on the excitement of the Intro course, this course’s goal is to give fencers a solid foundation of fundamental technical and tactical skills for further development. Fencers will gain the skills needed also to be good training/practice partners, a key foundation to learning at Riverside.
With coach permission, fencers in this course may simultaneously cross-register for the Youth or Senior (as appropriate for age) Group Epee classes.
Following the successful completion of this course:
Students may repeat the course if they choose or if recommended by the coach.
Students may advance to the Group Instruction classes.
Schedule (2023-2024)
Fundamentals (Winter 2024)
Wednesdays 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;
Feb 28 to Apr 10, 2024
Registration will open on or about Feb 1, 2024
Fundamentals (Spring 2024) (tentative)
Wednesdays 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;
Apr 24 to Jun 5, 2024
Registration will open on or about Apr 1, 2024
Senior group class, 2023.
Group Classes
For youth and senior aged fencers. Competitive and recreational fencers all need a place to have fun, to learn, and to grow, and they need a community to do this with. This is where we build our community of fencers.
(Click to read more.)
The goal of the group instructional classes is to teach the fencers a broad base of tactical and technical skills and concepts that they can build upon with further private training and practice.
Fencers in this class have a wide range of skill and experience levels. This is the strength of the class, rather than a limitation: we foster a culture of mutual learning in the classes. These classes are designed to cater to both the developing competitive fencer and the recreational fencer. Having fun, learning, and honing one's competitive skill are complementary, not exclusionary! Students are grouped within classes by age, size, gender, or experience as appropriate.
Each group instructional class meeting consists of coach-led footwork and blade work segments, and includes time to practice the skills learned in class through fencing with classmates.
Schedule (2023-2024, starts in Sep 2023)
Youth Group Classes. (Ages 10 to 14)
Mon 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Sat 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Senior Group Classes. (Ages 15 to adult. Younger students may enroll with coach permission).
Mon 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM;
Wed 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM;
Fri 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM;
Fees & Registration (2023-2024)
Unlimited weekly classes: $230.00 class fee + $65.00 club membership fee = $295.00 per session;
Class fees for the Nov-Dec sessions are reduced because the session is shorter:
Unlimited weekly classes: $200.00 class fee + $65.00 club membership fee = $265.00 for Nov-Dec session;
Family discounts are offered when two or more members of the same household are registered simultaneously (even if in different classes).
First member pays full prices; subsequent members receive a 50% discount for class fees;
Membership fees and private lesson fees are not discounted;
Riverside's Lisa WOLF (L) in action at the 2021 Summer National Championships in Philadelphia, PA.
Team Practices
For our competitive team members only. Practices focus on all aspects of competition, from physical conditioning to mental skills to advanced tactics and techniques.
(Click to read more.)
Making the competitive team is about the level of commitment to improving, not necessarily one's current skill level. Competition offers a variety of experiences, challenges, and opportunities that are not reproducible in practice, so is an integral requirement to this experience.
Team membership is not a prerequisite for competing, though competing is a requirement of Team membership.
The commitment we ask for is two-fold:
To your own improvement and growth, achieved through deliberate and consistent effort and reflection in training and competition;
To the improvement and growth of your teammates, achieved through consistent, selfless, thoughtful work with and for your teammates.
In an individual sport like fencing, the concept of "team" is not always obvious, simple, or easy. In the end, improvement is rarely the result of individual effort alone.
Participation on the Team is by coach invitation only.
Add fencers here for a fun time!
Open Fencing
One of the great ways to learn is to learn through playing! Come and fence with others, connect with your friends, make new friends, and have fun! Current USA Fencing membership required. (Click to expand.)
Schedule (2023-2024)
Tue 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (All-Ages)
Sat 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM (All-Ages)
Fees and Registration
Floor fees for guests are $10.00 per visit, and include use of Club gear. Floor fees for members are waived.
No registration is necessary for open fencing come "drop-in" and fence!