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
Intro Sessions are the perfect way for kids to experience fencing for the first time! To ensure a fun, engaging experience alongside their peers, students are grouped by birth year in small, supportive classes.
Kids’ Intro Sessions are divided by competition age groups. Select your fencer’s age group from the dropdown below to view available schedule options. After the Intro Sessions, students will be invited to the group class.
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Schedule:
Birth years 2016-2019: Tuesdays or Saturdays
Birth years 2014-2016: Épée on Saturdays -
Required Attire: Long pants, T-shirt, and athletic shoes
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What to Bring: Water bottle
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Equipment: All fencing gear and safety equipment provided
To Register: Check the schedule below, create an account in the member portal, select your desired session in “packages,” and complete checkout to confirm your registration.
Born 2016-2019: Session Dates
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.
Born 2014-2016: Session Dates
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 +
Epee Wednesday Nights 6-7 PM
Saber Thursday Nights 6-7 PM
It’s never too late to start fencing! Our Adult & Teen Intro Sessions offer a fun, supportive environment for beginners to try the sport for the first time. Over three classes, you’ll learn the fundamentals in an all-ages setting—making it a fantastic opportunity for parents and teens to learn and fence together!
After the Intro Session, students will be invited to the group classes.
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Schedule:
Wednesdays 6- 7 pm EPEE
Thursdays 6- 7 pm SABER -
Required Attire: Long pants, T-shirt, and athletic shoes
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What to Bring: Water bottle
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Equipment: All fencing gear and safety equipment provided
To Register: Check the schedule below, create an account in the member portal, select your desired session in “packages,” and complete checkout to confirm your registration.
Adult/Teen Intro Sessions; WEDNESDAY
Intro to Epee
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.
Adult/Teen Intro Sessions; THURSDAY
Saber for Beginners
SCHEDULE: Thursday nights, 6- 7 p.m
SESSIONS: (Choose one)
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.
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 better understand your experience and recommend the best-fit class.
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!