Sunnyvale
408-542-9580
Campbell
408-370-6419

Programs

OVERVIEW

Academy of Fencing Masters is the largest USA fencing club and academy, specializing in epee fencing and located in the heart of Silicon Valley. AFM conducts structured fencing classes for kids, youth and adults as well as individual private fencing lessons. Composed of 5 levels, from Introduction and beginners to competitive fencers, each level develop areas, such as:

  • Physical condition and endurance
  • Fencing skills, such as foot and bladework
    and techniques
  • Social and sportsmanship skills
  • Self control, confidence and mental skills
  • Agility, eye-hand-foot control and balance
  • Ability to see, understand and direct a
    fencing bout
  • Strategic and tactical skills
  • Competitive performance

Each level length of AFM fencing lessons program individually varies for each athlete depending on fencer’s physical, mental or technical condition.

AFM caters to fencers from both sides of the Bay Area: East Bay and South Bay.

Programs Offered

ProgramConsists ofTypical Program DurationProgram Cost
Introduction to Fencing2 private lessons and 1 group fencing class2-3 weeks $95
Beginners1 group fencing classes 1.5h/week6-9 months $230/month
Intermediate2 group fencing lessons 1.5 h /week9-12 month $380/month
Advanced3 group fencing lessons 1.5h /week12-18 month $480/month
Competitive4 group fencing lessons/week: 2h/4x weekHopefully, to the Olympics and beyond$580/month

When a new fencer signs up for any group class (except for the Introduction to Fencing) there is a one-time signup fee of $50

Fencing Classes Schedule

The latest detailed schedule of all fencing classes and lessons is available for download here.

AFM is closed on the following days:

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September 4, 2023 – Labor Day

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October 6-8, 2023 – AFM Super Regional Tournament

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November 23-24, 2023 – Thanksgiving

N

December 25, 2023 – Christmas

N

January 1, 2024 – New Year’s Day

N

May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day

N

July 4, 2024 – Independence Day

Payment Options

Purchasing an Introduction class at AFM is easy and can be done via credit card online or by credit card in person at the club. To register for any other class please contact us for evaluation.

AFM classes are good for the specified length of time at the time of purchase. The classes will be automatically renewed on the 1st of each month. The first payment is prorated and includes one-time setup fee of $60.

Introduction to Fencing class is not automatically renewed.

Please refer to the AFM policies to learn more about auto-payment, cancelations, refunds, etc.

USA Fencing Membership

usa-fencingPer USA Fencing requirements, every fencer who registers for the beginner level must become a member of USA Fencing to be covered by insurance. New fencers should register at USA Fencing here. Non-competitive USA Fencing membership (called Access Membership) costs $29 per fencing season. Fencers can upgrade to the USA Fencing competitive membership level prior to their first official competition ($99 per season).

Introduction

The Introduction to fencing session is provided for kids 7-13 y.o who have never fenced before. This beginning fencing program introduces participants to the sport of fencing and gives them the basic fundamentals needed to start fencing and develop basic skills. The class covers:

  • Basic eye-hand-foot work
  • Basic distance control
  • Basic fencing
  • Fencing with electrical weapon
  • Introduction to fencing etiquetteSafety rules and sportsmanship.

All Introduction to Fencing classes use sanitized equipment which is not shared.

Our safety protocols are stricter than the minimum required by the county. 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.

Equipment

All fencing equipment is provided by AFM.
To participate in the class you should wear:

N

Long sport pants

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Tennis shoes

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T-shirt

All AFM fencing equipment is sanitized after each session and is not shared between participants.

Program Duration

Youth classes (7 y.o. – 13 y.o.) are designed around the initial 2 sessions of private lessons (each session is 20 minutes) followed by a trial class. The two private lessons can be scheduled either as two separate sessions or one double (i.e., 40 min) session. Once you sign up your child for the Introduction to Fencing, our office will contact you within 2 business days to schedule private lessons and the trial class.

You can choose either our Campbell location or Sunnyvale location for the lessons. The trial class is conducted on Saturdays at 12pm – 1pm in our Campbell location. Once you sign up for the Introduction to Fencing, we will set up a specific class date based on when the lessons are taken and number of available slots in the class after the lessons are held.

Schedule

The group class takes a place every few weeks based on the enrollment into the Introduction to Fencing on Saturdays at 12pm – 1pm in our Campbell location. Once the private lessons are confirmed we will schedule the next available group trial class.

Introduction Program Cost

The cost of the Introduction level fencing program is $95. This includes two private lessons (20 min each) and 1 group class.

Per USA Fencing Association requirement, every fencer that registers for any fencing class must become a member of USA Fencing.

Cancellation and refund policy: as Introduction to Fencing Program registration is capacity-based, fees will be refunded or credited towards other classes only if the registration is canceled 7 or more days before the start of the first lesson.

Notes

Once you register online to the Introduction to Fencing, we will contact you to schedule your private lessons and the group class. Please allow 1-2 business days for this call.

The latest detailed schedule of all fencing classes and lessons is available for download here.

To schedule your first fencing lesson please contact AFM office (email – office@AcademyOfFencingMasters.com; phone 408-370-6419) or sign up online.

Gift Certificates are valid for 1 Introduction session and 1 child only and cannot be used for multiple Introduction Sessions or redeemed/credited towards other programs at AFM. Gift Certificate must be redeemed prior to the expiration date. A new beginner fencer can use only 1 Gift Certificate within a year, and only for the purpose of registering to the Introduction to Fencing.

Introduction to Fencing session can be taken only single time within a year for any new fencer who is age eligible. Gift Certificates and/or Coupons cannot be applied to multiple programs or classes and do not have cash value.

Located at the heart of Silicon Valley, in Campbell and Sunnyvale, and featuring a unique layout geared towards whole family, our fencing club locations are ideally suited to meet the busy schedule of the residents of San Jose and surrounding cities of the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Beginners

The Beginners program is for fencers who have completed the Introduction to Fencing Program, Beginner Fencing Summer Camp or fenced before and need to refresh their skills.

  • Work on improving hand – and footwork
  • Better distance controlImproving technical skillsIncreased fencing with electrical fencing equipment
  • Better understanding of fencing rules
  • Increased work in pairs during fencing exercises
  • Better offensive and defensive skills
  • Initial understanding of fencing tactics

Equipment

At this level, you will need to purchase your own fencing equipment. The initial equipment might cost you about $650, depending on the brand and specific items you need to purchase.

The AFM staff can help you choose fencing gear and purchase your equipment, so it will be best tailored to your needs and budget.

Program Cost

The cost of the Beginner Fencing Program is $230/month.

There is one-time signup fee of $50

Program Duration

In general, our Beginner Level fencing class lasts 6 to 9 months, but the coaches will decide when to recommend moving the fencer on to the next level of advanced fencing based on athlete’s readiness (in physical, competence and mental levels).

Program Structure

This Beginner fencing program consists of 1 group class per week, which are 1.5 hour 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 warm up, in which our coaches implement elements of a game depending of 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.

Schedule – Sunnyvale

Class typeSchedule
Beginner – 1 Tuesday, 4pm-5:30pm
Beginner – 2Saturday, 9am-10:30am

Schedule – Campbell

Class typeScheduleStudents Age
Beginner – Youth
8
Wednesday: 4pm-5:30pm6.5-8 y.o
Beginner – Youth
10-12
Saturday: 9pm-10:30pm9-12 y.o
Beginner – Youth
12-14
Saturday: 1pm – 2:30pm11-13 y.o

INTERMEDIATE

The Introduction to fencing session is provided for kids 7-13 y.o who have never fenced before. This beginning fencing program introduces participants to the sport of fencing and gives them the basic fundamentals needed to start fencing and develop basic skills. The class covers:

  • Basic eye-hand-foot work
  • Basic distance control
  • Basic fencing
  • Fencing with electrical weapon
  • Introduction to fencing etiquetteSafety rules and sportsmanship.

All Introduction to Fencing classes use sanitized equipment which is not shared.

Our safety protocols are stricter than the minimum required by the county. 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.

Equipment

At this level, you must have your own fencing equipment.

Program Cost

The cost of the Intermediate class is $370/month.

There is one-time signup fee of $50

Program Duration

In general, our Intermediate Level fencing class lasts 9 to 12 months, but the coaches will decide when to recommend moving the fencer on to the next level of advanced fencing based on athlete’s readiness (in physical, competence and mental levels).

Program Structure

This Intermediate fencing program consists of 2 group classes per week, which are 1.5 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 warm up, in which our coaches implement elements of a game depending of 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.

Schedule – Sunnyvale

Class typeSchedule
Intermediate
Youth 10
Monday/Thursday, 4pm-5:30pm
Intermediate
Youth 12
Monday/Wednesday, 5:30pm-7pm
Intermediate
Youth 14-Cadet
Wednesday, 4pm-5:30pm
Saturday, 12:30pm-2pm

Schedule – Campbell

Class typeSchedule
Intermediate -Youth 10 Group ATuesday/Friday, 4pm-5:30pm
Intermediate Youth 10 Group BMonday/Thursday, 4pm-5:30pm
Intermediate Youth 12 Group ATuesday/Friday, 5:30pm-7pm
Intermediate Youth 12 Group BThursday, 5:30pm-7pm and Saturday 2:30pm-4pm
Intermediate Youth 14-CadetTuesday/Thursday, 7pm-8:30pm

Advanced

The Advanced Level Program is designed for fencers who have completed 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 participated in at least one regional competition before joining this level.

The fencers at the Advanced Fencing Level Program improve:

  • Advanced foot and handwork
  • Fencing techniques and skills
  • Physical condition, such as endurance, speed and strength
  • Understanding of fencing tactics and strategies
  • Competence at competitions
  • Analysis of performance at competition

Equipment

Every advanced level fencer has his or her own fencing equipment, including at least 2 sets of the weapon of choice and 2 sets of body cords.

Equipment can be purchased through AFM.

Program Cost

The cost of the program is $460/month.

There is one-time signup fee of $50

Program Duration

The Advanced Fencing Program typically runs anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on athlete’s skills, physical and mental condition, and personal goals.

The coaches assess the fencers regularly and based on the athlete’s readiness recommend when to move on to the next level of competitive fencing.

Program Structure

The program is scheduled 3 times a week for the group class. Each group class is 1.5 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.

Advanced Fencing Class is conducted only in our Sunnyvale location.

Schedule – Sunnyvale

Type of ClassSchedule
Advanced Youth
10-12
Monday/Wednesdau, 5:30pm 7pm
Saturday, 10:30am-12pm
Advanced Youth
14-Cadet
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 7pm-8:30pm

Schedule – Campbell

Type of ClassSchedule
Advanced ClassTuesday/Thursday/Friday, 5:30pm – 7pm,

COMPETITIVE

The Competitive Program is designed for advanced fencers who will complete at regional, national or international levels regularly. Usually students that complete the Advanced Fencing Program at AFM or similar level program at other clubs can enroll in this program.

The fencers in the Competitive Program work on:

  • Competitive fencing techniques and skills
  • Endurance, speed, agility and strength
  • Advanced fencing strategies and tactics
  • The ability to build a bout per opponent strength and weaknesses
  • Ability to dissect a bout and work on improving non-successful elements

Program Cost

The cost of a competitive program is $570/month.

There is one-time signup fee of $50

Type of ClassSchedule
Competitive EpeeMonday, Wednesday, Thursday 7pm-9pm
Saturday, 10:30am-12:30pm
Tuesday, Open fencing at 7pm

Program Duration

Competitive fencing lasts indefinitely. Because of this, competitive fencing requires a commitment to the sport on a completely different level. It requires more commitment to group and private lessons and fencing. Competitive fencing also requires a lot of discipline and significant participation in regional, national and even international competitions.

Program Structure

The Competitive Fencing Program is composed of 4 group lessons per week for 2h plus Open Fencing on Tuesdays. Competitive level fencers are expected to take at least 2 private lessons each week ($45 each).

This is high intensity program that requires good physical condition and ability to sustain strong cardiovascular workouts.

Competitive Class is conducted only in our Sunnyvale facility.

Open Fencing

What’s a great way to sharpen your mind and your body? With a sword of course!

Often people think that it’s too late to begin learning something new, especially a physical sport like fencing. But the truth is that fencing isn’t just for your body – it keeps the mind sharp as well. Academy of Fencing Masters offers a well crafted fencing class for adults who are ready to jump onto the strip and learn something that’s not only challenging but also extremely rewarding. Our adult fencing classes are full of positive energy, fun, encouragement and surprises for mature students. Our coaches are incredibly engaging and truly appreciats the unique needs of adults while still pushing them to grow.

Beginner Adult Fencing Class

  • Improved mental sharpness
  • Great workout – hundreds calories burned
  • New exercises to keep you engaged
  • Develops strategic planning skills
  • Perfect for after the workday
  • Safety is a top priority
  • Women and men both benefit
  • Join a sport with a rich legacy
  • Fun way to get in shape!

Even if you’ve never worked in a combat sport or if you’ve not spent much time working out,
you’ll find that fencing is accessible to adults of all ability and experience levels.

Program Structure

The Competitive Fencing Program is composed of 4 group lessons per week for 2h plus Open Fencing on Tuesdays. Competitive level fencers are expected to take at least 2 private lessons each week ($45 each).

This is high intensity program that requires good physical condition and ability to sustain strong cardiovascular workouts.

Competitive Class is conducted only in our Sunnyvale facility.

Adult Fencing

What’s a great way to sharpen your mind and your body? With a sword of course!

Often people think that it’s too late to begin learning something new, especially a physical sport like fencing. But the truth is that fencing isn’t just for your body – it keeps the mind sharp as well. Academy of Fencing Masters offers a well crafted fencing class for adults who are ready to jump onto the strip and learn something that’s not only challenging but also extremely rewarding. Our adult fencing classes are full of positive energy, fun, encouragement and surprises for mature students. Our coaches are incredibly engaging and truly appreciats the unique needs of adults while still pushing them to grow.

Beginner Adult Fencing Class

  • Improved mental sharpness
  • Great workout – hundreds calories burned
  • New exercises to keep you engaged
  • Develops strategic planning skills
  • Perfect for after the workday
  • Safety is a top priority
  • Women and men both benefit
  • Join a sport with a rich legacy
  • Fun way to get in shape!

Even if you’ve never worked in a combat sport or if you’ve not spent much time working out,
you’ll find that fencing is accessible to adults of all ability and experience levels.

Hours & Information

Per SCC Directive all adult classes are suspended due to COVID-19 and we do not plan to offer adult classes in foreseeable future.

However, for adult and veteran epee fencers who already know how to fence and own their gear, we offer free fencing in our Sunnyvale facility.

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 amount of private lessons per skill level.

Often, when the fencer is close to competition time, he/she will want additional private lessons on top of what the program suggests, and AFM will work with the fencer to make that happen.

Cost

Cost of private fencing lesson is $50. Typically the lesson runs up to 20 minutes

Cancellation Policy

A private lesson must be rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Hours & Information

Private lesson should be scheduled in advance.

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.

AFM Campbell Location

86 Railway Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008

408-370-6419

AFM Sunnyvale Location

1269 Forgewood Ave.,
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

408-542-9580

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