Get Started
Everything you need to know about fencing at Northwest Fencing Center for the first time
Want to try fencing?
Get started at NWFC! Whether you have no fencing experience at all or have been competing for years, we welcome all athletes to enjoy the sport.
Northwest Fencing Center offers Intro Sessions to adults and teens above 13 years old, and for children 7-12. Please read below to see which Intro Session is right for you.
Intro Sessions:
Required for all fencers who have not attended a Camp or Class at NWFC
$50 – 4 weeks long, 1 class per week
Intro Sessions are designed for athletes with no fencing experience so they can learn the basics of footwork and fencing vocabulary. These small, coach-guided sessions help our new fencers jump right in to their first group class.
Kids’ Intro Sessions:
Ages 7 – 12
Kids’ Intro Sessions are separated by competition age groups. To view the Session options for your fencer’s age group, select the Intro Schedule from the dropdown below.
Mini, Born 2013-2016
Ages 7-9
This 4-week program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
To register for a class, add one Session from the list below to your cart in the Training Scheduler and checkout. Registration is required.
FALL 2023 SCHEDULE:
(Choose One)
Fall session 1 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Sept 9, 16, 23, 30
Fall session 2 (Wednesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4
Fall session 3 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Fall session 4 (Wednesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1
Fall session 5 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Nov 4, 11, 18, Dec 2
Fall session 6 (Wednesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Nov 8, 15, 22, 29
Tuition Prices:
$50 – 4-week program.
Youth, Born 2011-2012
Ages 10-12
This 4-week program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
To register for a class, add one Session from the list below to your cart in the Training Scheduler and checkout. Registration is required.
FALL 2023 SCHEDULE:
(Choose One)
Fall session 1 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Sept 9, 16, 23, 30
Fall session 2 (Tuesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3 Fall session 3 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Fall session 4 (Tuesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Oct 10, 17, 24, Nov 7 (skip Oct 31 because Halloween)
Fall session 5 (Saturday 8:45-9:30 am): Nov 4, 11, 18, Dec 2
Fall session 6 (Tuesday 4:45-5:30 pm): Nov 14, 21, 28, Dec 5
Tuition Prices:
$50 – 4-week program.
Adult & Teen Intro Sessions:
Ages 13 +
It’s never too late to start fencing! NWFC offers an Adult/Teen Epee Class to athletes who have completed an Intro Session. To register, please see the schedule below. Then, add the corresponding Session to your cart in the Training Scheduler and pay to register.
Adult/Teen Intro Sessions; Ages 13+
Epee for Beginners
This program is designed for students who have never fenced before.
This class is for athletes with no fencing experience to learn the basics of footwork and fencing vocabulary. These small, coach-guided sessions help our new fencers jump right in at their first group class.
To register for a class, add one Session from the list below to your cart in the Training Scheduler and checkout. Registration is required.
FALL 2023 SCHEDULE:
(Choose one)
Fall session 1 (Friday 7-8 pm): Sept 8, 15, 22, 29
Fall session 2 (Friday 7-8 pm): Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Fall session 3 (Friday 7-8 pm): Nov 17, Dec 1, 8, 15
Tuition Cost:
$50 – 4-week program.
*Fencers can only take this course once.
Already have fencing experience?
If you have attended an advanced training program at another facility we invite you to reach out to the Front Desk for an individual assessment.
Here are your steps to get started at NWFC if you have previous fencing experience:
- Come visit us! If you have never been to NWFC we recommend you come check us out during class hours to see the place in action.
- Talk to the Front Desk: We require all new fencers to complete an Intro Session before registering for a regular class. If you have trained at another facility, contact us. Then we can get a better idea of your experience and what class would be the best fit.
Open Bouting
Open Bouting is open to the public! To join, come, check in at the front desk, and start fencing! You are required to have previous fencing experience to attend.
New Fencer Checklist:
1. Pick one Intro Session according to your age level and schedule.
2. Add the Intro Session you’ve selected to your cart in the Training Scheduler, then check out to register.
3. Complete the 4-Week Intro Session.
4. The Front Desk will email you which class to sign up for. Just respond to let us know you want to register!
5. Purchase a Class.
6. Attend the class & fence!
New Fencer FAQs:
Who has to take an Intro Session at NWFC?
You are required to take an Intro Session to register for a Class. Everyone who has not previously taken an Advanced Camp or Advanced Class at NWFC must complete the Intro Session before joining a Class.
Do I need gear?
All fencing and protective gear are provided for Intro Classes.
You do not have to purchase equipment to register for an Intro Session or beginner Classes.
What do I bring?
All fencing and protective gear are provided for Intro Classes.
You should bring water, wear clean shoes and fencing-friendly athletic clothes. We do not recommend baggy, oversized, and loosely fitting clothes.
What can I wear?
All fencing and protective gear are provided for Intro Classes.
Wear clean shoes and fencing-friendly athletic clothes. We do not recommend baggy, oversized, and loosely fitting clothes.
CLOTHING NOT ALLOWED:
- Open-toed shoes
- Shorts (legs must be fully covered)
Can I come watch before I register for an Intro Session?
Yes! New fencers are welcome to come and see the sport live and in action. If you do drop in to watch, we suggest coming to watch the class you are considering registering for. See the NWFC Complete Schedule for more details.
How do I register for an Intro Session?
First, open the Training Scheduler.
Next, select “Create a New Account,” and complete the registration.
You will receive an email to let you know that your account has been approved by the Front Desk.
Then, open the Training Scheduler and add the “Intro Session” to your cart. Checkout to complete your purchase. To complete your registration, call the front desk to let us know what session you’ll be attending.
Front Desk: front.desk@nwfencing.org (or) 503-277-2237
Ready to start fencing?
Register for an Intro Session! Use the Training Scheduler below to add the Intro Session to your cart, then checkout. Complete the registration questions, then you’re ready to start fencing at NWFC!