Discover the Best Fencing Classes in Los Angeles
Fencing is a tactical combat sport consisting of two opponents that use swords to strike each other to gain points. An athletic practice with far-reaching roots, sword fighting is documented all the way back in Ancient Egypt around 1190 BCE.
Originally used as a military training program, fencing eventually became a sport in the 14th or 15th century. In fact, the sport of fencing is so renowned that it has been a permanent fixture of the Olympic Games since 1896.
Both strategic and athletic, fencing requires expert coordination, strength, and speed. While often considered a sport for the elite, the art of fencing has gained more mainstream recognition over the years. With the development of more inclusive fencing clubs, the sport of fencing is more accessible now than ever before.
Why You Should Learn Fencing in Los Angeles
Do you work in film and television and want to add to your resume skills? Are you looking for a creative new way to stay physically fit? Whether you’re wanting to pursue a new hobby or land a new role, learning fencing offers so many benefits for those willing to give it a try.
If you’re an active person that isn’t fond of group sports like soccer, football, and basketball, fencing is a great alternative. In fencing, you only ever play against one competitor at a time, with the objective being to land hits, known as touches, on your opponent's body. It’s this one-on-one nature of the sport that many athletes enjoy, allowing you to embrace your competitive streak in a smaller “group” setting.
Joining a fencing club can create the opportunity for an athlete to become a contributing member of a larger community. Although you don’t play together, fencing clubs typically have teams. You’ll play rounds (known as bouts) with your opponent while simultaneously working towards increasing your team’s overall score.
Fencing requires a tactical and strategic mindset, something that requires intense focus. It's this mindset that makes fencing a great sport for those in search of mindfulness and stress relief. It’s also a very physical practice, releasing energy and boosting your endorphins, to help aid in anxiety reduction. Fencing is a worthwhile exercise for both body and mind.
In addition to stress relief, fencing teaches students how to think quickly on their feet. Developing and using both offensive and defensive strategies, fencing trains you to make quick decisions. It can also be a great way to build self-confidence by learning to trust yourself, your decision-making, and your reaction time.
In-Person Fencing Classes in Los Angeles
The Art of the Swashbuckler is located in North Hollywood and offers multiple theatrical swordplay classes that teach the fundamentals of fencing. Little Swashies is a course specifically for children aged 4-7 years old. This class will focus on improving your child’s posture, balance, eye-hand coordination, and isometric strength. Like dancing, fencing and swordplay require precise timing and flawless form, so students will learn a complete sequence and how to time their actions with their partner.
Adults & Teens Theatrical Fencing is also offered at the same location in North Hollywood. Sticking to a similar plan as the Little Swashies course, adults and teens can choose to enroll in a four-, six-, eight-, or 16-week session. Suitable for ages 13 and up, students can expect to learn the basics of varying movements, attacks, parries, and evasions.
Avant Garde Fencing Club in Sawtelle also offers fencing classes for kids and teens. Their Competitive Junior Program is designed for competitive athletes including local, national, and international competitors. The goal of this program is for students to join NCAA or collegiate fencing teams. There’s also a recreational camp that caters to children between the ages of seven and 14. Students at this summer camp will learn coordination, discipline, and sportsmanship while being introduced to the competitive sport of fencing. Avante Garde also has Beginner Saber Kids and Intermediate Saber Kids for varying age ranges.
Recreational Saber for Adults can be found at the Avant Garde Fencers Club, a premier fencing facility in Los Angeles. This class welcomes beginners and offers complimentary protective gear for up to three months. An opportunity to practice your skills and get a good workout, this class offers an amateur tournament on the last Wednesday of each month.
Virtual Fencing Classes
Online fencing classes allow you to choose your location, typically can accommodate a wider variety of schedules, and still offer the benefit of being led by an expert fencing instructor. Choosing a virtual class is best if you live in an area with limited in-person classes or are looking to eliminate commuting. On-demand fencing classes are great for those who work odd hours or like to learn at their own pace. Created with more flexibility, online fencing classes could be the right fit for you.
Designed for growing and ambitious young minds, Dedimus Potestatem offers a virtual teen fencing camp for athletes 12-19 years old. Comprised of 15 hours of virtual instruction, athletes will learn the basics of sabre fencing combined with leadership skills and how to draft and present legislation as members of the United States Congress. This course helps teens master lifelong skills that will benefit them outside of their sports and academics, so they can become well-rounded citizens and leaders.
While not specifically focused on fencing, there are several other online courses that could help hone the same skills. Pursuing a tai chi practice, mastering yoga, or learning meditation can help improve your balance, strength, and flexibility. They can also teach you fundamental breathwork and foster quick problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Hosted by Thai Chi Upper West Side, Tai Chi Beginner Virtual teaches students the fundamental principles and movements of Tai Chi. Improving your balance, increasing your strength, and learning to clear your mind of distractions are all skills that are beneficial for fencers.
Gratitude & Grace Meditation Series, put on by CNTRD Wellness, helps you practice gratitude as a way to awaken your purpose and intuition. Meditation can help you calm your central nervous system, a handy skill to have in intense situations, like a fencing bout. You’ll break down the topic or technique in the first few minutes of class and then put those techniques into action through meditation.
Help maintain your muscles and joints with Gentle Hatha Yoga. Students will learn how to cultivate strength and flexibility through yoga poses, two things that are crucial to fencing (and to the prevention of athletic injuries). Each session is one hour and you can sign up for as many as you want.
Balance Arts Center offers Fundamentals in Flow, Balance & Stability, a 90-minute course that guides you through fundamental movement practices. Designed to improve balance and coordination, this class also encourages the connection between your body and mind. You’ll establish proper posture and then apply that posture to balance and stability movements.
Private Group Fencing Classes in Los Angeles
Do you want to host a special event for your business or organization’s team? CourseHorse offers private online group classes that can be catered to fit your exact needs! While there may not be any fencing classes for private groups currently listed, you can always reach out through the contact form on the CourseHorse site to learn more about your options.
Virtual Guided Group Meditation will cover techniques essential to becoming an expert fencer. This 30-minute workshop will begin with pranayama (breathwork) exercises that will lead to two 5-10 minute guided meditations. Breathwork and meditation teach you to regulate your nervous system, think more clearly, and respond in more mindful ways. All of these skills are useful to fencing as they make you a better decision-maker, one that is less reactive and more strategic.
No matter what private class you choose, booking is simple and stress-free. There are zero booking fees and you can change the size of your group after booking if needed. You’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours and can choose from multiple supported platforms to fit your group’s needs.