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Encourage your children to play with swords. TM
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: Maryland Fencing Club typically follows the open/close schedule of Harford County Public Schools and Recreation Centers.
Is fencing safe?Fencing enjoys one of the best safety records out of all of the major sports. Many popular sports such as soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and football have higher incident rates of accidents. Maryland Fencing Club complies with the United States Fencing Association's rigid safety standards for fencing equipment and training. What are the benefits?Fencing develops physical and mental fitness, speed, and agility. Fencers get in great cardiovascular shape and learn to think quickly on their feet in an Olympic sport that is a combination of boxing and chess. According to a recent Columbia University article, fencing encourages development of logic, and can help kids learn science and math principles. Do women/girls fence?Absolutely! Our population is just about an even 50/50 split between men and women. Many of our top achieving fencers are women, and we have several women instructors. Do you have adult classes?Yes! Maryland Fencing Club has a large Veteran community (for fencers ages 40+). We encourage adults to give it a try!
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What is fencing?An Olympic sport since the first modern games in 1896, fencing evolved from 16th century European sword dueling. It combines the speed of boxing, the strategy of chess, and the agility of gymnastics. Fencing has been an NCAA sport since 1941. It's a fun way to get in shape and make new friends!
What is a good age to start fencing?There is no one ideal age to start fencing. We offer classes for children ages 8 and up, and adults of all ages. We have a sizable population of adult fencers, in addition to teens and children.
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When can I start?We offer two options for beginners: Start Fencing Now! Sign up on our web site for two private introductory lessons, scheduled at your convenience! No fencing equipment is necessary; just wear t-shirt, long athletic pants, and athletic shoes. At the end of your lessons, you can join the beginner class already in session. Beginner classes are generally one hour per week in terms that are 6 to 8 weeks in length, depending on the time of year. Typically beginner classes start in January, March, May, September, and November. Specifics are typically posted on the web site 4 to 6 weeks in advance of a new term. What is the cost?Start Fencing Now! costs just $40 for the first student, and $20 for each additional student (4 students maximum). Beginner classes are $120 per term (typically 8 weeks), plus the initial equipment costs ($50-$60). See Pricing for more details. What equipment do I need?Since fencing is a sport (i.e. an athletic activity), you need athletic clothing: a (non-collared) t-shirt, athletic pants which fully cover the legs, socks which fully cover the foot and ankles, athletic shoes that fully lace-up and have good traction. Beginner class students also need your own fencing jacket and a glove click here for details. We provide all other necessary equipment. How do I register?You can register online (via this web site) with a credit card, or you may register in-person with a check. Are there any contracts?No. If you register for a class, you only sign up for that one term. If you join the club as a full member (which includes all group instruction plus open bouting), you sign up online, and then you are billed monthly. For more information on club memberships, click here. Where are you located?Our main location is 3011 Emmorton Road in Abingdon, just south of Walgreen's, next to Rita's Water Ice. It is just 5 minutes from I-95: Take exit 77B (north on Route 24) and turn right on Emmorton Road. We occasionally offer beginner classes at other locations. In spring 2011 we will offer a beginner class at the Norrisville Recreation Center & Library. Contact us for more information. Can I just come in and watch a class?Yes, visitors are always welcome during any group class. Is this club just for beginners?No. We have a sizable group of fencers that regularly compete in U.S. Fencing Association competitions, and we have several fencers with USFA classifications. Our coaching staff has extensive experience competing and coaching at local and national levels. |
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