We offer an active program of recreational fencing and competitive training for people age 9 through adult. Our activities include foil and epee classes at all levels, an intermediate-level sabre group, open fencing, a regional league for friendly competition, and travel to meets throughout New England and beyond. Whether you want to go for the gold, or just try a little swashbuckling for fun and exercise, the VFA warmly welcomes beginners.
Our unique Junior Team program is open to up to experienced fencers ages 12-18. In return for their effort and dedication, Junior Team members receive free instruction, extra training and coaching at meets. The success of the program is attested to by the medals the young athletes bring home, and more importantly, by the fun they have and the lessons they learn about sportsmanship and teamwork.
Head coach Viveka Fox, a former all-Ivy fencer and North Atlantic womens foil champion, has over 30 years of fencing experience. She is the founder of the USFA Green Mountain Division, and a nationally certified referee. She believes that fencing is not just another sport, but is a creative way of thinking and moving that links us to the past and allows us to express ourselves as individuals.
Fencing for young children: Fencing has complex rules (not intuitive) and requires a high degree of hand-eye and body coordination. Our classes are fast paced, and geared for older children, teens and adults. We would rather have a child wait until he or she is old enough to have a successful experience in our classes than to have the child give up in frustration. Our minimum age for students is 9; however a mature and focussed 8-year-old may join if a parent takes the class along with the child. There is no upper age limit for fencing-we have club members who are over 60 years old, and really enjoy our adult beginner students! If you have a child who is interested in fencing but too young to join the VFA, you can cultivate the child's interest by bringing him or her to observe a class and/or watch a tournament. Spectators are welcome at all of our activities free of charge.
See Schedule for details on classes and practices in Middlebury and Charlotte.
For more information on other Green Mountain Division member clubs, go to www.vtfencing.org
To purchase fencing equipment at discount prices:
