Getting Started

How to begin fencing at Northern Colorado Fencers

If you’re new to fencing-or new to NCF-this page explains the practical steps for joining our training community.

1) Free Trial Lesson

Every new athlete begins with a Free Trial Lesson.
The Free Trial Lesson gives you firsthand experience of our training environment and allows our coaches to assess readiness and comfort with basic movement and fencing routines. All necessary equipment is provided for the trial.

2) Intro to Fencing

After the Free Trial Lesson, most athletes continue into Intro to Fencing, our structured six-session starter program. Intro to Fencing introduces basic footwork, blade skills, safety habits, and coaching cues that prepare athletes for ongoing training. Coaches use performance in Intro to Fencing to guide placement into the appropriate regular program.

3) Coach-Directed Placement

Placement into ongoing training is coach-directed. Coaches determine where a fencer should join based on how they train—focus, responsiveness, comfort with equipment and proximity to others, and readiness for group instruction. Placement can change over time as an athlete develops.

After placement, athletes typically enter one of the following:

Additional structured options, such as Saturday Fencing or Girls’ Training on Wednesdays, are supplemental and do not replace the primary training schedule.

Equipment and what to wear

We provide all required fencing equipment for training. New fencers do not need to purchase personal gear to get started.

Athletic shoes suitable for indoor sport and athletic clothing are required. Youth and beginner fencers are assigned club uniforms, which are maintained at the club.

As athletes progress, coaches will work with families and adult athletes on selecting personal equipment when appropriate.

USA Fencing Membership

As part of ongoing training beyond Intro to Fencing, all athletes must hold a USA Fencing individual membership. Membership is required to participate in regular training and is necessary for sanctioned competition.

USA Fencing offers different membership levels. The entry-level individual membership-known as the Access membership-is currently available at approximately $34 per year and provides basic benefits and eligibility for local events and insurance coverage under the national federation.

Your coach will tell you when to set up USA Fencing membership during the onboarding process and can explain which level is appropriate based on your training and competition goals.

What happens next

Before leaving the club after a Free Trial Lesson or Intro to Fencing session, you will know:

  • the recommended next step

  • how to schedule or enroll in that step

  • who to contact with follow-up questions

If you are unsure where to begin, start by scheduling a Free Trial Lesson.

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