Beginners are invited to join the Rockville Fencing Academy for six weeks (cost: $45.)  You must sign the liability waiver and contact a NIH coach to arrange for lessons.  You can join the club before your first lesson.  Membership begins on the day of your first lesson.  Beginner lessons are usually given on Sundays by appointment, but other days are available so check with your coach.

Equipment may be rented for $60 or you can use the academy’s equipment for lessons.  Hint:  if you practice at home, renting equipment is the better option - most fencers purchase equipment after the first six weeks of instruction.

After a year of practice and instruction, most students are ready to compete in USFA tournaments.  There are many local tournaments, and the USFA is very active at the regional and national levels providing top-notch tournaments throughout the USA.