Classes and Fees
Portland Fencing Center offers classes and instruction for fencers of all levels of experience and interest, from those who wish to participate in low-key local events to those who are looking to national competition and beyond.Fencers may come one or two days per week for the same session fee. Two classes per week is recommended for students wishing to quickly progress in fencing skills.
Following are descriptions of the basic classes offered at the Portland Fencing Center, and the Equipment and Clothing required. For information on class fees and memberships.
To find out the time that each class is currently offered, see the Schedule Page.
Beginner Class I/II
Never fenced before? This class is for you. Learn the basic fencing positions and footwork movements, balance and coordination, while exercising all the major muscle groups of the body. This class promotes physical fitness for all ages and levels of athletic ability. Completion of three two-month sessions or more of the Introduction to Fencing is required before moving in to the General Foil Class.Requirements for this class:
USFA Membership
Sneakers, athletic pants and tee shirt.
A good attitude.
Patience with yourself and others.
Equipment Required:
PFC provides all of the necessary equipment for this course.
Intermediate Class I/II
After completing one of the Introduction to Fencing Classes, Women’s Fencing/Fitness Class or the equivalent, the next step is to transition into General Foil Class. Having learned and applied basic fencing movements, we now study blade work more closely. You’ll learn rules of the sport here and continue to perfect your skills along the way. This class is 75 minutes and geared to fencers on a novice/intermediate level who may fence competitively and/or recreationally or are planning to prepare for competition training class. Students preparing for Competition Training Class must demonstrate commitment to improving their fencing skills and be willing to mentor with others.Requirements for this class:
PFC membership
USFA membership.
Introduction to Fencing Class, Women’s Fencing/Fitness Class or equivalent.
Equipment Required:
Five piece practice set, including jacket, mask, glove, foil and underarm protector. (Women also need chest guard) Electric gear is available for monthly rental, however many students will want their full gear and will be advised on what to purchase.
Advanced Class
This group requires the approval from the head coach. The criteria are geared towards a deeper understanding of the psychological processes in fencing, like tactics and technical study. The tactical thinking and quick reflexes required at this level turn fencing into a game of "physical chess". It is mandatory on your second night of practice that Advanced Instruction is taken, along with 10 minutes of working with another student. Students are expected to participate in competition regularly at divisional, regional, or national level, or all three.Requirements for this class:
PFC membership
USFA membership.
Total commitment.
Approval from the Coach
Equipment Required:
Full gear required.
Advanced Instruction
Individual lessons are available for fencers who are attending Competition Training Class and assisting others in training. These lessons are one-on-one with the coach and provide the necessary focus for training the fencer to succeed. Advanced Instruction is available to Competition Training Class students first. Others will be considered.
Requirements for this class:
PFC membership
USFA membership.
Total commitment.
Approval from the Coach
Equipment Required:
Full gear required.
Open Fencing
This is a time to practice your skills and meet other members in the club. There shouldn’t be any difficulty finding someone to fence with although some nights/days are better than others for certain weapons. We have excellent fencers who do not take classes on a regular basis but simply come in to fence one or two nights a week. Open fencing is free to all PFC members. It is suggested to come on a different day than you scheduled class to get another day of fencing. This is also the time for Competition Training students to schedule their advanced training.Women's Fitness/Fencing Class
Do you want to get in shape? Tone your quads and glutes while defending your honor with cardio fencing. Practice the key components of fencing and when you take your toned body out of the center you’ll find the ancient sport also makes you stronger and more graceful. This class is open to fencers of all levels. Plus, the next time the topic comes up at a party, you’ll be able to offer a little-known fact about the Three Musketeers… Athos, Porthos and Aramis had the best butts in France. Touche’Curious Musketeers
You think you want to be and Musketeer but your not quite sure? Come in and discover if you can work together with others and develop the individual skills to be a fencer. The games and activities are geared towards a physical workout while improving your balance, coordination and thinking. It is required to complete the 3 sessions, maybe more, of the introduction to fencing before moving in to the General Foil Class.Requirements for this class:
USFA Membership
Sneakers, athletic pants and tee shirt.
A good attitude.
Patience with yourself and others
Equipment Required:
PFC provides all of the necessary equipment for this course.