En Garde! Fencing

USA Fencing's Afterschool Learn to Fence Program

Introducing En Garde! Fencing — a turnkey, school-based program designed to introduce students to the exciting, historic, and empowering sport of fencing right in their own gymnasium or afterschool setting.

Developed by USA Fencing, the National Governing Body for the sport in the United States, En Garde! Fencing gives educators everything they need to run a safe, structured, and engaging fencing experience — no prior fencing experience required.

  • No fencing experience required
  • Equipment included
  • Curriculum provided
  • Students inspired

Fencing is one of only five sports contested at every modern Olympic Games, and En Garde! Fencing gives students the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

The program launches with an elementary school curriculum (grades 3–5), with middle school and high school pathways coming soon. The elementary program was developed in partnership with 2-4-1 Sports and veteran fencing coach Eric Momberg, combining decades of coaching expertise with proven youth development principles.

Using safe foam foils, students learn fundamental footwork, blade skills, tactical thinking, and bout strategy in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Each lesson builds progressively, guiding students from their very first steps on the strip to their first touches in friendly bouts.

More than just physical activity, En Garde! Fencing develops:

  • Focus and discipline
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Confidence and resilience
  • Sportsmanship, respect, and fair play

Designed to meet students exactly where they are, En Garde! Fencing creates an inclusive, age-appropriate experience that introduces a lifelong Olympic sport in a way that is fun, accessible, and inspiring.

  • Elementary (Grades 3 - 5)

    These lessons put the FUN in fundamentals as students learn fencing basics through play and teamwork with safe foam foils. The 2-4-1 curriculum, developed by Eric Momberg, integrates sport and 2-4-1’s TOP Self™ social-emotional learning approach in every lesson.

    Learn More

  • Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

    Coming soon!

    Students will build on foundational fencing skills in a safe, age-appropriate program designed to grow coordination, strategy, and confidence.

  • High School (Grades 9 - 12)

    Coming Soon!

    Our En Garde! Fencing High school programming is in development, but educators can explore USA Fencing’s start-up resources, sample budget tools, and guidance for launching a high school team.

    Explore High School Resources

Bring Fencing to your School!

Interested in learning more about bringing En Garde! Fencing to your school? Submit this form and a member from our team will reach out to you!

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  • Mind + Body

    Fencing develops critical thinking, reaction time and strategic decision-making alongside physical fitness.

  • Safe Equipment

    Foam "noodle" training swords provide a safe, fun introduction — no metal blades or protective gear needed to start.

  • Olympic + Paralympic Pathway

    En Garde! is the first step on a pathway that leads to local clubs, regional competitions and beyond.

  • Values-Driven

    Every session reinforces sportsmanship, respect, integrity and the traditions that make fencing special.