How long are group instruction classes at The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia?

Beginner classes are 1 hour, Intermediate classes 1.5 hours and Novice & Higher classes are 2 hours.

Which Fencing group do I belong in?

In the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia program, Youth is 8-12 years of age, Cadet is 13-16 and anyone 17+ should do adult classes.

What do I need for a beginner's fencing class?

You should wear sport clothing that you can move and get sweaty in with lace up or Velcro sneakers. No sandals of any kind, including Crocs or "sport" sandals are allowed. Shirts must be short sleeved or longer. No tank tops are allowed. Bring a water bottle. Equipment is provided for Beginners. -Intermediate classes need: glove, mask, French grip practice foil, carry bag. -Novice classes need: complete uniform jacket, plastron, knickers (pants), chest protection for women -Electric/Competitive classes need: personal electronic scoring equipment appropriate to your weapon

Where can I get Fencing equipment?

You can get equipment from the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia pro shop or an online vendor.

Can I just come and fence at The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia?

Already a fencer with your own equipment? We offer fencing only memberships for College students and adults which include a discount on private lessons. We also have a drop- in floor fee. For adults $25 and students $20 to come and fence for an evening.

I already have some experience with Fencing, but what if I want to do group training at The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia?

Already a fencer with your own equipment? We offer fencing only memberships for College students and adults which include a discount on private lessons. We also have a drop- in floor fee. For adults $25 and students $20 to come and fence for an evening.

Can I take private Fencing lessons to start with?

You can, but we strongly discourage this for beginners. It is more fun to learn with classmates and imperfect partners present their own unique challenges, so it is important to practice with many kinds of opponents, who will often react unexpectedly

How often should I attend Fencing lessons?

You should attend class at least twice a week. Classes at each of our main locations are offered 3x weekly. Attend as much as you can - you have to not just learn skills, but practice them! After all, just because you know how to do something does not mean that you are any good at it.

What is the situation on Fencing refunds/makeups at The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia?

There are no refunds or makeups. Classes are offered multiple days at multiple locations for your convenience.

When can I start competing in Fencing?

You should begin competing when you finish the Novice course and have your own scoring equipment.

Where are Fencing competitions held in Philadelphia?

FAP hosts a tournament almost every weekend, excepting weekends when National tournaments are scheduled. Local, Division level events are hosted by fencing clubs belonging to Philadelphia Division of USA Fencing. Regional and National tournaments are generally held at convention centers.

How old are the fencers at The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia?

You are never too old to learn fencing. Although we have classes for children, we also have a very active adult program for both post college and for older adults.

Is fencing an NCAA sport?

Yes, NCAA fencing exists at many Universities. Where there is no varsity program, there is often a fencing club.

Is Fencing in the Olympics?

Fencing is one of five sports that has always been in the Olympic program.

Where can I watch Fencing?

You can watch fencing at your local fencing club, or on YouTube or the FIE Channel (Federation Internationale Escrime).

F.A.P. Class Schedules

Wyncote Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

All levels, from Beginner to Advanced, begin at the same time. Beginners work for 1 hour, Intermediates for 1.5 hours, Novices and Advanced Fencers for 2 hours

Youth (ages 8-12)

Mon & Wed

Sat

Cadets (ages 13-17)

Mon & Wed

Sat

Adults (ages 17+)

Mon & Wed

COMPETITOR & ELITE TRAINING (MIXED WEAPON)

Youth (ages 8-12) Competitor

Tue & Thu

Sat

Cadets (ages 13-17) Competitor

Tue & Thu

Sat

Elite (Invitation Only)

Sat

INDIVIDUAL WEAPON TRAINING

Adult Advanced Foil Drill

Tue

Epee Drill

Mon & Wed

Sat

Cadet Epee

Mon & Wed

Saber Class & Bouting

Sat

OPEN BOUTING & LESSONS

Foil & Epee

Mon & Wed

Foil & Saber

Tue & Thu

Youth

Fri

Cadet & Adult

Fri

University City Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

Beginner & Intermediate

Tue & Thu

Sat

Novice & Advanced

Tue & Thu

Sat

Adult Beginner

Mon & Thu

Adult Intermediate

Mon & Thu

Adult Novice

Mon & Thu

Adult Advanced

Wed

FOIL TRAINING

Youth (ages 8-12) Competitor

Mon & Wed

Cadets (ages 13-17) Competitor

Mon & Wed

Combined Competitor

Fri

Open Bouting & Lessons (ages 13+)

Mon & Wed

Sat

EPEE TRAINING

Competitor

Tue & Thu

Fri

Open Bouting & Lessons (ages 13+)

Tue & Thu

Sat

Main Line Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

All levels, from Beginner to Novice, begin at the same time. Beginners work for 1 hour, Intermediates for 1.5 hours, Novices for 2 hours.

Youth (ages 8-12)

Mon & Wed

Sun

Cadet & Adult (ages 13+)

Mon & Wed

Sun

Competitor Classes

Youth (ages 8-12)

Tue & Thu

Sun

Cadets (ages 13-17)

Tue & Thu

Sun

Combined Foil

Fri

Combined Saber

Fri

Advanced Classes

Advanced Foil (Invitation Only)

Fri

Advanced Saber (Invitation Only)

Fri

West Chester Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners

Youth (ages 8-12) & Cadet (ages 13-17)

Tue & Thu

Sun

Open Bouting

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Adults

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Classes for Intermediates & Novice

Youth (ages 8-12)

Tue & Thu

Sun

Cadets (ages 13-17)

Tue & Thu

Sun

Classes for Competitor

Youth (ages 8-12)

Mon & Wed

Sun

Cadets (ages 13-17)

Mon & Wed

Sun

Center City Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediate, Novice & Advanced

All levels, from Beginner to Advanced, begin at the same time. Beginners work for 1 hour, Intermediates for 1.5 hours, Novices and Advanced Fencers for 2 hours.

Beginner – Advanced

F.A.P. Class Schedules

Wyncote Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

Mon & Wed

Sat

Mon & Wed

Sat

Mon & Wed

COMPETITOR & ELITE TRAINING (MIXED WEAPON)

Tue & Thu

Sat

Tue & Thu

Sat

Sat

INDIVIDUAL WEAPON TRAINING

Tue

Mon & Wed

Sat

Mon & Wed

Sat

OPEN BOUTING & LESSONS

Mon & Wed

Tue & Thu

Fri

Fri

University City Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

Tue & Thu

Sat

Tue & Thu

Sat

Mon & Thu

Mon & Thu

Mon & Thu

Wed

FOIL TRAINING

Mon & Wed

Mon & Wed

Fri

Mon & Wed

Sat

EPEE TRAINING

Tue & Thu

Fri

Tue & Thu

Sat

Main Line Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediates, Novices

Mon & Wed

Sun

Mon & Wed

Sun

Competitor Classes

Tue & Thu

Sun

Tue & Thu

Sun

Fri

Fri

Advanced Classes

Fri

Fri

West Chester Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners

Tue & Thu

Sun

​Tuesdays & Thursdays

​Tuesdays & Thursdays

Classes for Intermediates & Novice

Tue & Thu

Sun

Tue & Thu

Sun

Classes for Competitor

Mon & Wed

Sun

Mon & Wed

Sun

Center City Class Schedule

Classes for Beginners, Intermediate, Novice & Advanced

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Tuesdays & Thursdays