Program Overview

How training works at Northern Colorado Fencers

Northern Colorado Fencers has been coaching fencing in Colorado since 1979. Our programs serve youth, teens, and adults, from first-time beginners to long-term athletes.

Training at NCF is coach-led and deliberately structured. We focus on sound fundamentals, clear expectations, and long-term development rather than quick outcomes or short-term fixes.

A shared starting point

All new fencers enter through the same process.

We begin with a Free Trial Lesson, followed by Intro to Fencing, our structured starter program. From there, coaches guide placement into ongoing training based on how an athlete trains, not simply age or prior claims of experience.

This approach allows athletes to start in the right place and progress as they develop, rather than being rushed or mis-placed early on.

What “coach-led” means in practice

NCF is not a drop-in program, and we do not use self-placement.

Coaches make placement decisions based on observable training factors such as focus, responsiveness to instruction, comfort with equipment and proximity, and readiness to train productively in a group environment. Placement may change over time as an athlete grows or takes on new training demands.

The goal is accuracy, safety, and steady progress - not speed.

Lessons and group training

Lessons and group classes serve different roles in fencing training.

Lessons are where new skills are introduced, refined, and adjusted to the individual athlete. In fencing, this is typically one-on-one instruction using footwork, blade actions, and supervised drills.

Group training is where those skills are practiced and applied with others. Group classes reinforce timing, decision-making, and adaptability, and are most effective when athletes already have a foundation to draw from.

Coaches guide the balance between lessons and group training based on readiness and development, not on fixed formulas.

Youth, teen, and adult programs

NCF offers structured programs for:

Youth and adult programs differ in structure to reflect developmental needs, school demands, and training goals, but all follow the same core principles: consistency, clarity, and progression over time.

Equipment and getting started

NCF provides all required fencing equipment for training. New fencers do not need to purchase gear to begin.

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

As athletes progress, coaches work with families and adult fencers to determine when personal equipment makes sense and help navigate purchasing when appropriate.

Training and competition

Competition is optional at NCF.

Some athletes compete regularly. Others train seriously without competing at all. Competition is treated as one possible application of training, not the purpose of training.

Coaches help guide decisions about when competition is appropriate and how it fits into an athlete’s overall development.

Membership requirements

USA Fencing membership is required for sanctioned competition and is typically set up when a fencer moves from the introductory stage into ongoing training. Coaches will clearly communicate when this applies.

What to expect

Families and athletes can expect a structured, coach-led environment with clear expectations, thoughtful placement decisions, and an emphasis on safety and long-term growth.

We do not promise quick outcomes. We offer a stable training environment designed to support real development over time.

Next steps

If you are new to fencing at NCF: