Get Started
Everything you need to know about fencing at Northwest Fencing Center for the first time
Want to try fencing?
Get started at NWFC! Whether you have no fencing experience at all or have been competing for years, we welcome all athletes to enjoy the sport.
Northwest Fencing Center offers Intro Sessions to adults and teens above 13 years old, and for children 7-12. Please read below to see which Intro Session is right for you.
Intro Sessions:
Required for all fencers who have not attended a Camp or Class at NWFC
$80 – 3 weeks long, 1 class per week
Intro Sessions are designed for athletes with no fencing experience so they can learn the basics of footwork and fencing vocabulary. These small, coach-guided sessions help our new fencers jump right in to their first group class.
Kids’ Intro Sessions:
Ages 7 – 12
Kids’ Intro Sessions are separated by competition age groups. To view the Session options for your fencer’s age group, select the Intro Schedule from the dropdown below.
Born 2016-2019
Ages 7-9
This 3-week program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
To register for a session, make an account in our member portal, go to “buy packages”, and choose the Intro Session dates you prefer.
Fencers will need to wear long pants, a T-shirt, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Beginner (choose one)
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm
Sep 8, 15, 22
Oct 6, 13, 20
Nov 3. 10, 17
Dec 1, 8, 15
Jan 5, 12, 19
Feb 2, 9, 16
Mar 2, 9, 16
Apr 6, 13, 20
May 4, 11, 18
Jun 1, 8, 15
Saturdays 9-10 am
Sep 19, 26, Oct 3
Oct 10, 17, 24
Nov 7, 14, 21
Dec 5, 12, 19
Jan 9, 16, 23
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13
Mar 6, 13, 20
Apr 3, 17, 24 (4 weeks – no class on Apr 10)
May 8, 15, 22
Jun 5, 12, 19
Tuition Prices:
$80 – 3-week program.
Youth, Born 2016-2019
Ages 10-12
This 3-week program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
To register for a session, make an account in our member portal, go to “buy packages”, and choose the Intro Session dates you prefer.
Fencers will need to wear long pants, a T-shirt, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Intro Youth (2013-2014)
Sat 9:00-10:00 am
(Choose One)
Sep 19, 26, Oct 3
Oct 10, 17, 24
Nov 7, 14, 21
Dec 5, 12, 19
Jan 9, 16, 23
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13
Mar 6, 13, 20
Apr 3, 17, 24 (4 weeks – no class on Apr 10)
May 8, 15, 22
Jun 5, 12, 19
Tuition Prices:
$80 – 3-week program.
Adult & Teen Intro Sessions:
Ages 13 +
Wednesday Nights 6-7 PM
It’s never too late to start fencing! NWFC offers an Adult/Teen Epee Class to athletes who have completed an Intro Session. To register, please see the schedule below. Then, add the corresponding Session to your cart in the Training Scheduler and pay to register.
Adult/Teen Intro Sessions; Ages 13+
Epee for Beginners
This program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
This class is for athletes with no fencing experience to learn the basics of footwork and fencing vocabulary. These small, coach-guided sessions help our new fencers jump right in at their first group class.
To register for a session, make an account in our member portal, go to “buy packages”, and choose the Intro Session dates you prefer.
Fencers will need to wear long pants, a T-shirt, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
SCHEDULE: Wednesday nights 6-7 pm
SESSIONS: (Choose one)
Sep 9, 16, 23
Oct 7, 14, 21
Nov 4, 11, 18
Dec 2, 9, 16
Jan 6, 13, 20
Feb 3, 10, 17
Mar 3, 10, 17
Apr 7, 14, 21
May 5, 12, 19
Jun 2, 9, 16
Jul 14, 21, 28
Aug 4, 11, 18
Tuition Cost:
$80 – 3-week program.
*Fencers can only take this course once.
Already have fencing experience?
If you have attended an advanced training program at another facility we invite you to reach out to the Front Desk for an individual assessment.
Here are your steps to get started at NWFC if you have previous fencing experience:
-
- Come visit us! If you have never been to NWFC we recommend you come check us out during class hours to see the place in action.
- Talk to the Front Desk: We require all new fencers to complete an Intro Session before registering for a regular class. If you have trained at another facility, contact us. Then we can get a better idea of your experience and what class would be the best fit.
Open Bouting
New Fencer Checklist:
1. Pick one Intro Session according to your age level and schedule.
2. To register for a session, make an account in our member portal, go to “buy packages”, and choose the Intro Session dates you prefer, and check out. Fencers will need to wear long pants, a T-shirt, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle. Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
3. Complete the 3-Week Intro Session.
4. After the Intro Session has been completed, you will be invited to a group class. Watch for an email or contact the Front Desk.
New Fencer FAQs:
Who has to take an Intro Session at NWFC?
Do I need gear?
You do not have to purchase equipment to register for an Intro Session or beginner Classes.
What do I bring?
You should bring water, wear clean shoes and fencing-friendly athletic clothes. We do not recommend baggy, oversized, and loosely fitting clothes.
What can I wear?
Wear clean shoes and fencing-friendly athletic clothes. We do not recommend baggy, oversized, and loosely fitting clothes.
CLOTHING NOT ALLOWED:
- Open-toed shoes
- Shorts (legs must be fully covered)
Can I come watch before I register for an Intro Session?
How do I register for an Intro Session?
Choose the Intro Session dates you prefer and add it to the cart.
Check out and attend class!
Fencers will need to wear long pants, a T-shirt, tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.
Please check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Front Desk: front.desk@nwfencing.org (or) 503-277-2237
Ready to start fencing?
Register for an Intro Session! Use the Training Scheduler below to add the Intro Session to your cart, then checkout. Complete the registration questions, then you’re ready to start fencing at NWFC!