NJFA Fencing Programs
Program Methodology
New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA) is New Jersey's largest USA fencing academy offering training in all weapons - Foil, Sabre, and Epee. NJFA conducts structured fencing classes for children, teens, and adults as well as individual private fencing lessons. Composed of various levels of training, from Introduction and Beginners to Competitive Fencers, each level develops areas such as:
-
Physical condition and endurance
-
Agility, hand-eye-foot coordination and balance
-
Fencing skills such as food and bladework and techniques
-
Ability to see, understand, and direct a fencing bout
-
Social and sportsmanship skills
-
Strategic and tactical skills
-
Self-control, confidence, and mental skills
-
Competitive performance
Each level duration of NJFA fencing lesson program individually varies for each athlete depending on the fencer's physical, mental capacity, or technical skills.
Description of our programs:
INTRODUCTORY LESSONS
Those with no prior fencing experience who are looking to start fencing must first complete a course of introductory lessons with a coach prior to starting classes. Your first lesson can be scheduled with us via email, over the phone, or in person.
The first introductory less is free. The remaining five lessons can be purchased as a package. Please inquire at the front desk in person.
Fencers who have completed their course of introductory lessons are then able to enter classes at their coach’s recommendation. They will likely be placed in the Musketeer or Beginner level.
MUSKETEERS
The Musketeer session is provided for kids 7-8 years old who have never fenced before. This beginning fencing program introduces participants to the sport of fencing and gives them the fundamentals needed to start fencing and develop basic skills. The class covers:
-
Basic eye-hand-coordination
-
Basic footwork
-
Basic distance control
-
Basic fencing
-
Fencing with electrical weapon
-
Introduction to fencing etiquette
-
Safety rules and sportsmanship
All Musketeer classes use sanitized equipment which is not shared.
Our safety protocols are stricter than the minimum required by the State. After all, you entrust us with the most precious thing in your life – your children! We take this responsibility with the same seriousness that we would want someone to take with our own kids.
Program Duration
Fencers will enter the Musketeer program after completing the 5 introductory lessons with a Coach. The Musketeer programming is ongoing, with students being able to join at any time.
Musketeer Program Cost
Please refer to our Pricings/Packages page for cost information. Per USA Fencing Association requirement, every fencer who registers for any fencing class must become a member of USA Fencing.
Schedule
Please refer to our Schedule page for the latest schedule.
BEGINNERS
The Beginners program is for young fencers who are starting out in the sport or have a low-level of experience. The program focuses on:
-
Working on improving handwork and footwork
-
Bettering one's distance control
-
Improving technical skills
-
Increased fencing with electrical fencing equipment
-
Bettering one’s understanding of fencing rules
-
Increased work in pairs during fencing exercises
-
Improving offensive and defensive skills
-
Initial understanding of fencing tactics
Program Duration
Our Beginner program is ongoing year-round with open enrollment. Coaches will decide when to recommend advancing the fencer onto the next level of fencing based on the athlete’s readiness (in physical competence and mental preparedness).
Program Structure
This Beginner fencing program consists of 3 group classes per week, which are 1.5 hours long each. It is recommended that you begin to take private fencing lessons when you start the class.
Each group lesson in this Beginner level fencing class starts with a warmup, in which our coaches implement elements of a game depending on the age of the class. After warming up, the fencers will work on different elements of technique, drills, foot and hand work, target work, work in pairs and of course fence using the electric equipment.
Beginner Program Cost
Please refer to our Pricings/Packages page for cost information. Private lessons are purchased separately.
Schedule
Please refer to our Schedule page for the latest schedule.
INTERMEDIATE
The Intermediate program is for youth fencers (typically middle school to high school age) who have experience with the Beginner Program or have fenced before and need to refresh their skills. Intermediate-level fencing classes provide more advanced level training.
The program focuses on:
-
Improving hand and footwork
-
Bettering distance control
-
Improving technical skills
-
Increased fencing with electrical fencing equipment
-
Bettering understanding of fencing rules
-
Increased work in pairs during fencing exercises
-
Offensive and defensive skills
-
Gaining deeper understanding of fencing tactics
-
Improving conditioning level/individual fitness
Equipment
At this level, you must have a full set of equipment whether it is rented or purchased.
Equipment can be purchased from the front desk or fencers can rent equipment
for a monthly fee.
Program Duration
Like all our programs, the Intermediate session runs year-round and has open enrollment.
Fencers can join the program at any time.
Program Structure
This Intermediate fencing program consists of 3 group classes per week, which are 2 hours long each. It is expected that you take private fencing lessons when you attend Intermediate class. Each group lesson in this Intermediate level fencing class starts with a warmup, in which our coaches implement elements of a game depending on the age of the class. After warming up, the fencers will work on different elements of technique, drills, foot and handwork, target work, work in pairs and fence using the electric equipment.
Intermediate Program Cost
Please refer to our Pricings/Packages page for cost information. Private lessons can be purchased separately.
Schedule
Please refer to our Schedule page for the latest schedule.
ADVANCED/ELITE
The Advanced Program is designed for fencers who have advanced from the Intermediate level fencing program in our club or a similar type of program in another fencing school. Typically, a fencer at this level has a good skill set, confidence, and has had some experience with tournaments before joining this level.
The fencers at the Elite Program concentrate on:
-
Advanced foot and handwork
-
Fencing techniques and skills
-
Physical conditioning, such as endurance, speed, and strength
-
Understanding of fencing tactics and strategies
-
Confidence and preparedness at competitions
-
Analysis of performance at competition
Equipment
Every advanced level fencer has their own fencing equipment, including at least 2 sets of the weapon of choice and 2 sets of body cords (and 2 head cords for foil and sabre).
Equipment can be purchased or rented through NJFA.
Program Duration
The Elite Fencing Program is year-round and has open enrollment.
Program Structure
The program holds group classes 3 times a week. Each group class is 2 hours long. During the class, the athlete works on advanced exercises and drills and will focus on intensive endurance, strength, speed, and agility workouts with a good portion of the time fencing against opponents at the advanced and competitive levels.
Elite Program Cost
Please refer to our Pricings/Packages page for cost information. Private lessons are purchased separately.
Schedule
Please refer to our Schedule page for the latest schedule.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private fencing lessons are for fencers at any level; however, the higher the fencer’s ability, the more private lessons he or she should take. A private lesson is completely tailored to the fencer’s skills and needs. The fencer utilizes and further masters what is learned in the private lesson during subsequent group lessons or open fencing.
Our programs are designed such that we recommend a minimum number of private lessons per skill level.
Private lessons are an essential part of learning the art of fencing and are the best method of fencing training. In a private lesson, the fencer learns and masters specific techniques and builds a foundation for skillful fencing.
That’s why more advanced programs contain several private lessons in a month. Moreover, before some critical competitions many fencers take additional private lessons on top what their program already includes.
Often, when the fencer is close to competition time, he/she will want additional private lessons on top of what the program suggests, and NJFA will work with the fencer to make that happen.
Schedule
Private lessons should be scheduled in advance (at least 24 hours). To participate in the private lesson the fencer should come at least 15 minutes before the start to warm up. Only club members can take private lessons with our coaches.
Lessons can be scheduled here.
Private Fencing Lesson Cost
Please refer to our Pricings/Packages page for cost information. Typically, the lesson runs for 20 minutes. Lessons can be booked back-to-back (availability permitting) if the fencer desires a 40-minute session.
Private Fencing Lesson Cancellation Policy