Try Fencing
The Olympic and Paralympic sport you can start at any age. Fun, safe, and welcoming — find beginner classes near you.
My 11‑year‑old found a sport where effort and respect matter most.
Safety & Coaching
Safe, Supervised, Geared Up — Protective gear and structured instruction keep beginners safe as they learn.
Supportive Coaches — Coaches emphasize respect, maturity, and sportsmanship alongside technique.
One of the Safest — Fencing is consistently ranked as one of the safest Olympic/Paralympic sports because of mandatory protective gear and strict rules that prohibit body contact, resulting in a very low injury rate compared to most other sports.
Epee, foil and saber are the three weapons used in fencing. While fencers may compete in more than one event, most modern fencers choose to sharpen their skills in one weapon. See the look of each weapon below. The valid target area for each weapon is indicated in orange. The white areas are off target.
Epee
Foil
Saber
component with index 5 is undefined
Following the Action
Fencing Fast Facts
En garde! Prêts? Allez!
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You have questions? We have answers. If anything isn't answered here, email us at information@usafencing.org.
Yes. Beginners learn in supervised classes with protective gear. Fencing is considered safer than many popular youth sports.
Athletic shoes and comfortable clothes. Most clubs supply beginner gear to start.
Many clubs offer youth, teen, and adult beginner classes — ask your local club about the right path for you.
Intro classes are typically low‑cost. Starter gear is often provided while you try it out.
No! Recreational classes are common. If they enjoy it, your fencer's coach can help guide next steps.
Many clubs welcome parafencers, who compete in specially designed wheelchairs. Ask your local club about programs and referrals.