BraND NEW TO FENCING
For those just starting out their fencing adventure, FCMC offers a beginner lessons package to jump-start your journey. This includes 3 introductory private lessons at a discounted rate, that can be scheduled on your availability. All fencing equipment needed is provided by the club, you just need to athletic shoes and pants. A USFA membership is required for participation, they offer a 90-day free trial which can be found here. At the conclusion of the trial lessons, we can decide what class level you would start with.
If you are not familiar with the weapons of fencing and which one you are most interested in, you can find some good high-level description from YouTube below
Foil - Sports Explainer: The classic fencing weapon, the 'foil'
Epee - Sports Explainer: The precise art of the epee
Sabre - Sports explainer: The sabre
Group Classes
FCMC offers group class instruction at all levels of sabre and foil fencing. United States Fencing Association membership is required for all levels of participation. For beginner classes and club members, all necessary equipment for group class is provided, just make sure you are dressed for athletic activity (e.g. shorts or athletic pants, tennis shoes, etc). While it is appreciated to preregister for a class (required for your first class), it is not necessary, you can just show up. For your first time at the club, please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early for USFA membership and club paperwork. A 90-day free trial USFA membership can be found here. For people brand new to fencing, see section below.
**Please note, the class structure and timing is changing on January 1st, 2025 (reflected below)
Y8 Sabre - This is open to all the really young fencers (8 and under). The focus will be on enjoying fencing, but not too heavy on always learning and big lessons
Monday - 5pm-6pm
Wednesday - 5pm-6pm
Beginner Sabre - All ages of fencers that have gone through the Introductory Lessons, or have at least some incoming experience, and are still just beginning their fencing journey. It is focused on an older crowd to make sure things like height and age don't get in the way
Monday - 7pm-8pm
Wednesday - 6pm-7pm
Saturday - 3pm-4pm
Pre-Competitive Sabre - Ages 10 and up (or by invitation) for fencers who have a good understanding of the basics, starting to get into some more advanced techniques, and are competing (or want to compete) at a local level. There will be more focus on perfecting fundamentals, adding new skills, and getting ready for competition
Tuesday - 6pm-7pm
Thursday - 6pm-7pm
Saturday - 12:30pm-1:30pm
Competitive Sabre - Ages 12 and up (or by invitation) for fencers who have a good understanding of more advanced techniques and right-of-way, and are competing at a Regional or higher level. There is a strong focus on Regional competition and getting to National competition.
Tuesday - 7pm-8:30pm
Thursday - 7pm-8:30pm
Saturday - 11am-12:30pm
High School Competitive Sabre - This is strictly for Competitive fencers who are on a high school fencing team (or of high school age and want to qualify for the State Individual competition), focusing on excelling in this space and 5 touch bouts. NJ High School fencing is a beast in itself, and can be significantly different from normal USFA competition.
** Offered during NJ High School season
Elite Sabre - Ages 14 and up (nominally), but strictly by invitation. The focus of this class will be advanced bladework and footwork, different styles, a more mental game, and National or International competition. This class is an extension, not a replacement, of the Competitive Class
Wednesday - 7pm-8:30pm
Friday - 6pm-7:30pm
Adult/Vet Sabre - For all adult fencers who have some sabre fencing experience, or have completed the Introductory Lessons. Competition is great, but it is not a requirement for this class
Saturday - 1:30pm-3pm
Beginner Foil - Fencers that have gone through the Introductory Lessons, or have at least some incoming experience, and are still just beginning their fencing journey.
Sunday - 12:30pm-1:30pm
Pre-Competitive Foil - Ages 10 and up (or by invitation) for fencers who have a good understanding of the basics, starting to get into some more advanced techniques, and are competing (or want to compete) at a local level. There will be more focus on perfecting fundamentals, adding new skills, and getting ready for competition
Thursday - 6pm-7pm
Sunday - 11:30am-12:30pm
Competitive Foil - Ages 12 and up (or by invitation) for fencers who have a good understanding of more advanced techniques and right-of-way, and are competing at a Regional or higher level. There is a strong focus on Regional competition and getting to National competition.
Thursday - 7pm-8:30pm
Sunday - 10am-11:30am
Footwork and Conditioning (All Weapons) - Open to all fencers in Pre-Competitive and up, this class is weapon agnostic, focusing on agility, stamina, footwork, and being able to get through a long day of fencing and still be able to perform.
Sat - 10:00am-11:00am
Lessons
Individual instruction in sabre, foil, and epee are offered as well at all levels. Lessons must be scheduled in advanced, at least 2 hours ahead of time and up to a year in the future. A paired bouting lesson is also available, by permission. For FCMC members, there is also Season Planning Session available to plan out training and performance goals for the season.
Open Bouting
Open Bouting is offered at FCMC every weeknight and is open to any fencer, the only requirement is that you have an active USFA membership and the desire to have some fun fencing. All fencing equipment is required to fence, including knickers and plastron. Some gear may be available to rent for non-FCMC members. There is no scheduling for Open Bouting, just show up and enjoy. The Floor Fee for Open Bouting is $10
Monday - 8pm-10pm
Tuesday - 8:30pm-10pm
Wednesday - 8:30pm-10pm
Thursday - 8:30pm-10pm
Friday - 7:30pm-10pm
*10:00pm is a nominal end time, we will go until every is done, or staff needs to leave.
Mental Performance Series - Spring 26
We will be starting a 4 session seminar series in the near future for the mental performance side of fencing, a critical part of the game. Details coming soon!
February 28, 11am - Mental Performance and Effective Goal Setting
March 14, 11am - Focus, Awareness, and Momentum Management
April 4, 11am - Confidence, Self-Talk, and Pressure
April 18, 11am - Routines, Resilience, and Competition Preparation