Start Fencing
Request Trial Class ($35) Member Lesson Portal
San Diego Fencing Center
1770 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA
(760) 237-0086
Mon–Fri: 3 PM – 9 PM • Sat: 10 AM – 1 PM
Beginner Pathway

How to Start Fencing at SDFC

You don’t need any experience, special athleticism, or expensive gear to begin. Here is everything you need to know about trying your first class.

Transparent First Visit

The $35 Introductory Trial Session

Experience the thrill of Olympic fencing with a dedicated one-on-one or introductory cohort session. All protective equipment is provided. If you choose to enroll in a monthly membership, your $35 trial fee is credited directly toward your first month's tuition.

Single Trial
$35
Applied toward tuition
Jump to Trial Request Form ↓ Youth (8–12), Teens (13–17), and Adults (18+)
Simple Onboarding

Three Steps to Your First Touch

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1. Request Your First Visit Online or Walk In

Fill out our simple trial request form below or call us at (760) 237-0086. Tell us the age of the participant and your preferred days. Parents and visitors are also welcome to drop in and watch any ongoing class during our regular hours.

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2. Gear Provided for Introductory Classes

Equipment is provided for introductory classes, so beginners do not need to purchase fencing gear before getting started! We supply regulation stainless steel masks, padded jackets, gloves, underarm protectors (plastrons), chest protectors, and practice foils or épées. All you need to wear is a comfortable t-shirt, athletic sweatpants (no shorts for bouting safety), and clean athletic sneakers with flat soles.

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3. Choose Your Training Track

We have dedicated pathways for every stage of life:

  • Youth (Ages 8–12): New cohorts begin at the start of every month, meeting two afternoons a week (4:00–5:30 PM).
  • Teen Pathway (Ages 13–17): Tailored for middle and high school beginners developing tactical skills and prep for high school or collegiate circuits.
  • Adult Fit Fencing (18+): Recreational épée sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings (6:00–7:30 PM) combining conditioning, footwork, and bouting.

Is Fencing Safe for My Child?

Yes—athlete safety is built into the rules, equipment, and culture of Olympic fencing. Fencing is a non-collision sport governed by strict safety standards set by USA Fencing and the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

Blades are made of flexible steel designed to bend on touch, with blunt, rounded tips. Athletes wear regulation protective gear including stainless steel mesh masks, reinforced jackets, underarm protectors (plastrons), and gloves. Body contact is prohibited, and bouts are closely supervised by certified coaches.

Reserve Your Spot

Request Your $35 Trial Session

Fill out this quick form and our coaching staff will contact you within one business day to confirm your date, time, and gear sizing.

No payment required today. We will confirm your session date and time first.
Answers for Parents & New Fencers

Frequently Asked Questions

We generally recommend beginning between ages 8 and 12 for our youth classes. For middle and high school students (ages 13–17), our Teen Pathway provides tailored coaching. At these ages, students have developed the focus, coordination, and motor skills needed to hold a blade with confidence and understand distance and safety rules.
Absolutely not. Many of our fencers participate purely for fitness, fun, strategy, and community friendships. For those who do catch the competitive bug, we offer structured paths from friendly local in-house events all the way to Regional Youth Circuits (RYC), Super Youth Circuits (SYC), and National Championships.
No. As part of The SDFC Way, we operate strictly month-to-month. We consider our members family. If your child wants to try another sport or your family's schedule changes, simply give us 15 days written notice before the next month.
Equipment is provided for introductory classes, so beginners do not need to purchase fencing gear before getting started. Participants who continue in the sport will eventually want their own basic gear (glove, underarm protector, mask, and jacket). Need your own equipment? The Fencing Post, a specialty fencing equipment retailer, is located in the same building as SDFC. Visit The Fencing Post ↗
Yes! Our Fit Fencing program was created specifically for adult beginners. It focuses on épée—the most intuitive weapon to pick up recreationally—and provides a great cardiovascular and mental workout in a friendly, relaxed evening atmosphere on Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM.