Focus on Beginners Fall 2026

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Dear fencing friends and families, it was a great pleasure to introduce over 90 kids to our Olympic sport this summer over the Beginner Camps!

A big thank you to Coach Konrad, Coach Hanna, Assistant Coaches Ensley, Logan, Lucas and everyone else that helped out!

Our previous emails focused on issues more relevant to our returning families, so today I would like to clarify a few things for those thinking about starting your journey.

In the beginning there are no obligations and you are welcome to try it at your own pace. You’re welcome to join our weekly 5:30PM classes as soon as you like, we provide equipment for two months while you get a feel for it.

We run two age groups concurrently Monday through Thursday 5:30PM, but Mondays and Wednesdays have been trending younger, 10 and Under, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are trending older, 11 and Up including teens and some adults. The weeknight classes offer warm up games, technical instruction and supervised sparring.

You’re also welcome to join our Saturday Beginner/Intermediate classes, these are separated by age and are more recreational in nature. Younger group at 10AM, older 11:30AM.

Some kids do fall in love with the sport immediately (four weeks of fencing camp in a row!) while some kids need more time to test the waters. There is also a lot to be said about class composition, some groups play together better than others, some become friends for life!

If you are considering eventually going beyond the intro or recreational level, we require a meeting/consultation to go over the first steps and zero in on the best options. Click here to register and schedule it.

There is a whole spectrum of opportunities by age, location and commitment/competitive level. It's just like any other sport.

It is normal to take about half a school year to really get into the flow of things and configure family, work and school logistics to live a sports life.

This upcoming week you have an opportunity to see our team work with Olympic Champion Tibor Andrásfi, feel free to stop by anytime between 9:30AM and 3PM or so to see the room packed with fencers, many of whom have had more than one podium finish. We are also having an open potluck on Friday at 4:30PM to celebrate the Olympic camp and bid farewell to Coach Konrad, who is moving to California.

So why fencing? In short because it can be a lifetime sport that opens a lot of doors and makes you a better human being. It attracts amazing people!

Mental Focus

Fencing is often called physical chess. It teaches kids to make quick, smart decisions based on what is happening in front of them, a skill that helps in the classroom and beyond.

Real Connections

Fencing is social. Kids get to know people of all ages and skill levels, with younger fencers learning from experienced mentors. It builds a genuine sense of community.

Total Fitness

It is a great workout that builds strength and agility. Because it focuses on controlled movement rather than heavy impact, it is physically demanding but also safer and more accessible than many other sports.

Confidence Boost

Walking onto the strip with a sword in hand does wonders for a child's self esteem. It teaches them to trust themselves and gives them an identity they can be proud of.

It’s Just Cool

Let’s be honest: sword fighting is exciting. It is fundamentally different from a lot of other sports. Most kids see a match and immediately want to give it a try.

Whether your child played soccer or baseball all summer, or just needs a new hobby, fencing is a fantastic way to keep them fit, sharp, and confident.

Please enjoy the photos from the past five weeks of Beginner Camps and we hope to see you at Cardinal in the Fall! Season starts September 8.

Head Coach and CFA Founder

Ilya V. Lobanenkov