Getting Started in Fencing
Interested in fencing? Check your local Yellow Pages! You might be surprised to find that there are fencing clubs in many locations across the country, and almost all hold beginner-level classes. Any club that offers beginner instruction will have equipment for you to use in class -- you only need to bring sneakers and sweatpants. Your local YMCA, college/university, or Parks and Recreation department may offer fencing classes as well. The U.S. Fencing Web site also offers a section for new fencers with information on buying equipment, finding a local club and joining the United States Fencing Association.

After mastering some fencing skills, children 14 and under can compete in the Regional Youth Circuit and National Youth Events.  Older juniors and adult fencers compete in the Under-16, Under-19 or Senior divisions.  Older fencers can compete in Veteran Combined competitions or in Vet-40, -50 or –60 divisions.  Wheelchair fencers have separate rankings and championships. All divisions have three disciplines: epee, foil, and saber.

Joining U.S. Fencing
To join USFA, download an application and send it to the National office.  Membership benefits include accident and liability insurance and discounts on equipment.

Becoming a U.S. Olympian
Olympic fencing includes men’s and women’s epee, foil and sabre. Countries qualify teams and individuals based on FIE (Federation Internationale D’Escrime) world rankings and the Continental Qualifying Competition (for fencers whose countries did not qualify teams or individuals in their weapon through the FIE rankings). The top three Senior fencers in each weapon for which the U.S. has qualified to enter a team will be selected to compete in both the individual and team competitions at the Olympic Games. For complete official selection procedures, see Chapter 4 of the 2003 U.S. Fencing Athlete Programs Handbook.

Contact Information
web: U.S. Fencing
email: info@USFencing.org
phone: 719.866.4511