Programs

This program builds a solid foundation in fencing fundamentals, focusing on footwork and basic weapon handling. Our goal is to develop your fencing skills to the point where footwork and weapon use become second nature. Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll be ready to move on to our intermediate group.

The Intermediate Program is designed to strengthen foundational skills and apply basic tactics in actual bouts. Students in this group attend classes twice a week, focusing on improving footwork and weapon handling. Additionally, coaches offer private lessons once a week to fine-tune basic attacks and defenses, as personalized instruction is essential for proper technique. The classes also include opportunities for students to partner up and practice real bouts under the coaches’ supervision. Once they show solid mastery of basic attacks and defenses during practice bouts, they will be promoted to the Pre-Competitive Program.

The Advanced Program is designed to teach students advanced fencing techniques and strategies for competition. Coaches and experienced referees will provide instruction on sabre fencing rules, while private lessons will introduce more sophisticated tactics and strategies. Regular attendance is essential, and students are expected to participate in at least one major national event (e.g., NAC) and four minor national or regional events unless given special approval by their coaches. Eligibility for the Competitive Programs is based on achieving strong results in events (NACs, SYCs, RYCs) and beginning to earn rankings on the US Fencing National Point List.

AFA proudly resumed offering adult fencing program for lifelong fencing lovers. Schedule your trial class today!

Our 80+ veteran fencer Gerald Chang has been thriving and winning. We share his heartwarming message here:

These two photos were taken at the club in May of this year. I’ve been training with Coach Andrea Zhao in Sabre fencing ever since I resumed practicing.

I first saw older people carrying fencing bags when I participated in the New Jersey Senior Olympics table tennis competition in September 2015. It had been 55 years since I last touched a fencing weapon in 1960. Picking up a sabre again after so long made my hands and feet feel clumsy. The rules for fencing had also changed, especially for Sabre. It wasn’t until 2017 that a fencing gym opened in my neighboring town with a Chinese owner and coach, and I gradually learned about the new rules. I’ve been practicing consistently since then, for a total of nine years. I’ve participated in the “All-American Fencing Championships” three times, winning medals twice and returning empty-handed once. In the “North American Cup,” I won a medal once and returned empty-handed twice.

I’ve been training under Coach Zhao for seven years and have won a total of four medals in national competitions. Coach Zhao was always there for on-the-spot guidance during those competitions. The other three times I competed alone without on-the-spot guidance, I really felt the difference. Coach Zhao has recently moved the club again.

Coach Zhao’s fencing club has achieved excellent results. From childhood to adolescence, from beginners to medalists, the club currently caters to not only children and teenagers but also adults, promoting and popularizing the sport of fencing comprehensively.

– Gerald Chang