En Garde! Fencing

Grades 3–5 • Zero Experience Needed • 100% Fun Guaranteed

En Garde! Fencing brings the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing into afterschool programs across the country, giving kids an exciting new way to build confidence, focus and fitness.

Fencing is one of only five sports contested at every modern Olympic Games, and En Garde! Fencing gives elementary school students a chance to experience it firsthand. Developed by USA Fencing, the national governing body for the sport, this afterschool program introduces 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to the basics of fencing through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum designed by experienced coaches.

Using safe, foam-tipped training swords called "noodles," participants learn fundamental footwork, blade actions and bout strategy in a supportive, team-oriented environment. The program emphasizes sportsmanship, respect and fair play alongside the physical skills that make fencing a unique combination of athleticism and strategy.

Each session follows a progressive curriculum that builds on previous lessons, guiding students from their very first steps on the strip to their first touches in friendly bouts. No prior experience is required — En Garde! is designed to meet kids exactly where they are.