NIH FEncing Club
Practices
The club meets Tuesdays at the Rockville Fencing Center from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, practice is held at the NIH gym starting at 8:00 p.m. Sunday practices (also at the NIH gym) start at 11:00 a,m. and last until 2:00 p.m.
HOW TO START FOR BEGINNERS
1. Contact Coach Pokalenko and tell him about yourself (age limit is 8 and up.) If he tells you to proceed then:
2. Contact Larry Pinkus by e-mail or telephone (301-946-3605) and arrange to be measured for rental or purchase of equipment
3. Make check out to NIH R&W FC for six weeks membership ($22.50) plus $55 equipment rental plus $125 (equipment deposit, refundable). Purchase is another option. Equipment arrives in two days and can be picked up.
4. When you have your equipment, schedule lessons with Coach Pokalenko (foil) or Pinkus (saber). Fill out and sign your membership application and liability waiver (found on this website) and bring them to the first lesson.
5. Pay monthly dues and program fees (foil) and schedule lessons (foil or saber) at the beginning of each month. You may cancel or reschedule a lesson on 48-hour notice once a month - remember regular lessons and practice lead to rapid progress.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR LESSONS
All fencers taking lessons must be members of the NIH Fencing Club. Initial dues cost only $32 for two months plus $7 a year to join the R&W. Annual dues cost $192, and are prorated.
There are no group lessons in foil for beginners. Semi-private lesson may be scheduled. Private lessons cost $30 per half-hour.
FOR EXPERIENCED FENCERS
We would like to be your fencing home. You may fence for exercise (our members are ages 8 to 80) or train for local and national competition. Contact the coaches to schedule lessons. If you prefer to just fence, join the club and enjoy.
FOIL CLASSES AT NIH
During the summer, lessons are available by appointment for beginners and experienced foil fencers from Coach Pokalenko and for experienced saber fencers from Coach Pinkus.
Beginners to advanced foil fencers are accepted at any time and progress quickly through private lessons on Tuesdays (8:00 p.m. -10 p.m.), Thursdays (8 p.m. -10 p.m.) or Sundays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) to join our ongoing group on Sundays (noon - 2:30 p.m.) The club will meet at the Rockville Fencing Academy on Tuesdays; Thursday and Sunday practices are in the Bldg. 10 gym on the 14th floor. Beginners start with private lessons and progress to join Coach Pokalenko’s foil training program which includes a combination of private and group lessons, group exercises and electric fencing. It costs $120 per month plus $16 per month for club dues. NIH Club membership ($16 per month, $192 per year, $215 per year for a family) and equipment rental or purchase (at club discount) is required. Students must have a foil, glove, jacket, bag and mask. Rental is $55 for six weeks. Purchase is about $160. Contact Larry Pinkus at PinkusL@csr.nih.gov to register or for more information or contact Coach Pokalenko at vitpokal@comcast.net
SUNDAYS: Open fencing in foil and sabre, foil tournaments (at noon) and private_ lessons (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) are offered. Please contact Coach Pokalenko at Vitpokal@comcast.net
TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS: Open fencing in foil and sabre and private lessons from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Private lessons by appointment. Lessons are scheduled and paid for at the beginning of the month. Advanced notice of 48 hours is required to change or cancel a lesson.
Page Updated: March 25, 2008
