Trying something new is easier when you know what to expect. Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of your first visit to NCF Boulder.
Before You Arrive
What to wear: Comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers. That’s it. We provide all fencing equipment: mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. You don’t need to buy or bring anything.
Who can come: Anyone ages 7 and up. Youth and adult beginners are both welcome. You don’t need prior experience or athletic background.
What it costs: Nothing. Your first lesson is free, no strings attached. This is how we’ve welcomed new fencers for 47 years.
What Happens During the Lesson
Your trial lesson lasts approximately one hour. Here’s the general flow:
Meet the coaches. You’ll be introduced to the coaching staff and the training environment. We’ll explain what epee fencing is (the weapon we specialize in) and answer any questions.
Get fitted. We’ll set you up with equipment that fits. Mask, jacket, glove, weapon. Everything is provided.
Learn the fundamentals. You’ll work on basic footwork (how fencers move) and bladework (how the weapon is used). Fencing footwork is unlike any other sport. It’s precise, deliberate, and built for control.
Fence. If you’re ready, you may have the opportunity to fence a bout by the end of the lesson. Even in your first session, you’ll experience what it feels like to face an opponent on the strip.
What Happens After
No pressure. After the trial, you decide at your own pace whether fencing is the right fit. If it clicks, here’s the progression:
- 6-Week Intro Course. A structured on-ramp that builds foundational skills before joining a regular training group.
- Monthly Programs. Stage-based training from Foundations through Advanced, scaling with your commitment and development. See current pricing.
There is no long-term contract. You choose the training frequency that works for your schedule and goals.
Common Questions
“Is my kid too young?” We accept fencers ages 7 and up. If your child can follow instructions and stay focused for an hour, they’re ready to try.
“Is my kid too old?” No. We train adults of all ages, including competitive adults who have won national championships. Several of our current fencers started as adults.
“Is fencing safe?” Fencing has a 2.5% injury rate, one of the lowest of any competitive sport. Modern equipment is engineered for safety. There have been only 7 fencing fatalities worldwide in 75 years.
“I don’t know anything about fencing.” Most families don’t when they walk in. The coaches will explain everything. Epee is the most intuitive fencing weapon. The entire body is target area and there are no complicated right-of-way rules.
“Is this just a hobby, or can it go somewhere?” That depends on the fencer. NCF has produced 46 national champions and athletes who competed at Harvard, the Junior World Championships, and the Pan American Games. We also have fencers who train once a week because they enjoy the sport. Both are welcome.
Where to Find Us
NCF Boulder 1949 33rd Street, Boulder, CO 80301
Book your free trial or email ncfboulder@gmail.com.