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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Beginner classes are 1 hr; Intermediate classes 1.5hrs; Novice and higher level classes 2 hrs.
In the FAP program Youth is 8-12 years, Cadet is 13-16 years, anyone 17+ should do adult classes.
You should wear sport clothing that you can move and get sweaty in with lace up or Velcro sneakers.
NO tank tops or cami tops; shirts must have short sleeves at least.
NO sandals of any kind, including Crocs or “sport” sandals.
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
You can get equipment from the FAP Pro shop or a vendor online
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.
Take one of the ongoing group instruction membership options. This is great for anyone returning to the sport after a few years off to get back in shape and review the basics.
The first class is always free, although you must sign our waiver and show proof of non-competitive membership in USA Fencing ($10 cost). You can sign up after the first class, but if the session is full then you may have to wait 2 months until the next session starts.
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.
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.
There are no refunds or makeups. Classes are offered multiple days at multiple locations for your convenience.
You should begin competing when you finish the Novice course and have your own scoring equipment.
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. /em>
You are never too old to learn fencing, although we have classes for children, we also have a very active adult program, both post college and for older adults.
Yes, NCAA fencing exists at many Universities . Click here to learn all about NCAA Fencing and where there is no varsity program there is often a fencing club.
Fencing is one of five sports that have always been in the Olympic program
You can watch fencing at your local fencing club, or on YouTube, the FIE Channel (Federation Internationale Escrime).