Teen & Adult Programs (Ages 14+)

Serious training for teens and adults at every stage

Northern Colorado Fencers offers structured fencing programs for teens and adults, whether you are new to the sport or returning with prior experience. Our programs are coach-led, expectation-driven, and designed to support meaningful improvement over time.

Teen and adult athletes train together in an environment that emphasizes focus, accountability, and respect for the training space. Many of our adult fencers balance training with school, work, or family commitments, and our structure reflects that reality.

How teen and adult athletes begin

All new teen and adult fencers enter through the same process.

Athletes start with a Free Trial Lesson, followed by Intro to Fencing, our six-session starter program. Intro to Fencing introduces fencing movement, basic actions, safety protocols, and training expectations, and allows coaches to observe how an athlete trains.

From there, coaches guide placement into ongoing training based on readiness rather than self-assessment or prior claims of experience.

Adult Programs (Ages 14+)

Ongoing teen and adult training at NCF is organized into commitment-based programs. These programs may include a combination of group classes and individual lessons, depending on training goals and availability.

Adult programs emphasize:

  • consistent technical development

  • thoughtful pacing and training load

  • productive training habits

  • respect for the shared training environment

Athletes are encouraged to train seriously, but competition is not required.

Lessons and group training

Lessons and group classes play distinct roles in teen and adult fencing.

Lessons provide focused, individual instruction and are the most efficient way to learn and refine technique. Group classes provide opportunities to apply skills in a dynamic fencing environment, develop tactical awareness, and learn from fencing with a variety of partners.

Coaches guide the balance between lessons and group training based on experience, goals, and readiness.

Coach-directed placement

Placement in teen and adult programs is coach-directed.

Coaches consider factors such as:

  • focus and responsiveness to instruction

  • comfort with equipment and fencing distance

  • ability to train safely and productively in a group

  • readiness for increased training volume

Placement may adjust over time as goals or availability change.

Competition

Competition is optional for teen and adult athletes.

Some fencers train with the intention of competing regularly. Others train for personal challenge, fitness, focus, or enjoyment of the sport itself. Both approaches are supported at NCF.

Competition is treated as an application of training, not the definition of success. Coaches help athletes decide when competition is appropriate and how it fits into their broader training goals.

Equipment and expectations

NCF provides fencing equipment for new teen and adult fencers at entry. Athletic shoes suitable for indoor sport are required.

As athletes progress, coaches work with individuals to determine when personal equipment makes sense and help guide purchasing decisions to avoid unnecessary or incorrect gear.

What teen and adult athletes can expect

Athletes can expect:

  • a structured, coach-led training environment

  • clear expectations and consistent feedback

  • thoughtful placement and progression

  • an emphasis on safety, focus, and long-term improvement

This is not a drop-in program. We value reliability, respect for training partners, and commitment to the process.

Next steps

If you are new to fencing: