The Pathway to Fencing at Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club

From a $49 Introductory Lesson to Monthly Subscription

Fencing is one of the best sports for kids who are curious, energetic, strategic, or ready for a new challenge. At Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club, beginners do not need prior experience, equipment, or a long-term commitment to get started.

The path is simple:

Start with a $49 Introductory Fencing Lesson.
Then, continue with the Introductory Fencing Package.
After that, join BBFC through a Monthly Subscription and begin training consistently.

Whether your child wants to try fencing for fun, build confidence and coordination, or eventually pursue competitive fencing and college recruitment, BBFC provides a clear, supportive pathway from the very first lesson.

Step 1: Book a $49 Introductory Fencing Lesson

The best way to begin fencing is with a private introductory lesson.

For $49, your child receives a 20-minute one-on-one lesson with a BBFC coach. All fencing equipment is provided, so there is nothing to buy before the first visit.

During the lesson, your child will learn the basic movements and ideas of fencing, including:

• En garde: the ready position

• Advance and retreat: moving forward and backward

• Lunge: the basic attacking motion

• Basic blade work

• Fencing safety and etiquette

BBFC offers introductory lessons for ages 4 and up, with bookings separated by age group so coaches can match the lesson to the student’s age, attention span, and coordination level.

Step 2: Continue with the Introductory Fencing Package

After the first lesson, many families want to know whether fencing is the right fit before committing to a monthly program.

That is exactly what the Introductory Fencing Package is for.

BBFC’s Introductory Fencing Package is $199 and includes:

• 2 private lessons

• 2 group classes

• All required beginner equipment

This package gives your child a better feel for fencing than a single lesson alone. The private lessons build confidence and fundamentals, while the group classes show what regular training at BBFC feels like.

It also gives parents a chance to see how their child responds to the coaches, the club environment, and the rhythm of weekly fencing classes.

Families may purchase an introductory package for foil and a separate package for saber, allowing students to try both weapons before choosing a regular training path.

Step 3: Choose a Monthly Subscription

Once your child has completed the introductory stage, the next step is consistent training through a monthly subscription.

Group classes are where young fencers begin to improve quickly. They practice footwork, blade work, bouting, strategy, and sportsmanship alongside other students their age and level.

BBFC offers monthly options designed for different family schedules:

Once-a-Week Membership — $249/month

This option is ideal for beginners who are balancing fencing with school, other sports, or other activities.

It provides structure, consistency, and a steady introduction to the sport.

Unlimited Classes — $499/month

This option is best for students who want to train more often, improve faster, or begin moving toward more serious fencing.

Unlimited classes allow students to attend multiple times per week and build momentum through repetition and regular coaching.

After the first month, an annual club membership is required.

Why BBFC Starts Beginners with Private Instruction

Fencing is exciting, but it is also technical. A beginner needs to learn how to stand, move, hold the weapon, attack safely, defend, and understand the basic rules.

Starting in a private lesson helps your child avoid feeling lost in a group.

In a one-on-one setting, the coach can adjust the lesson to your child’s age, coordination, confidence, and personality. Some children need more explanation. Others learn by moving. Some are ready to fence right away, while others need time to get comfortable.

The introductory lesson gives each student the right first experience.

What Age Can Kids Start Fencing?

At BBFC, children can begin fencing at a young age.

Private introductory lessons are available for ages 4 and up. Group classes are organized by age so younger beginners are not placed with teenagers or advanced students.

BBFC offers age-appropriate class options, including:

• Ages 4–6: dedicated Saturday morning class

• Ages 6-11: weekday and Saturday beginner classes

• Ages 11+: Saber lessons and classes

Fencing is especially strong for children because it develops focus, balance, coordination, patience, decision-making, and self-control. It is athletic, but it does not require the size or strength advantages that often matter in contact sports.

What to Expect at the First Lesson

When you arrive at Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club, your child will be introduced to the coach and fitted with beginner fencing equipment.

BBFC provides the necessary gear, including:

• Mask

• Glove

• Weapon

Your child should wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers.

The lesson will focus on making the sport understandable, active, and fun. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to give your child a strong first experience and help your family decide whether fencing is something you want to continue.

Foil and Saber at BBFC

BBFC offers beginner pathways in both foil and saber.

Foil

Foil is often the traditional starting weapon. It emphasizes precision, timing, point control, and tactical decision-making. The valid target is the torso, and scoring is based on right-of-way rules.

Foil is an excellent foundation for students who enjoy structure, patience, and technical development.

Saber

Saber is faster and more explosive. Fencers can score with cutting actions as well as thrusts, and the valid target is everything above the waist.

Saber is often appealing to students who enjoy speed, quick decisions, and high-energy movement.

Because BBFC offers introductory packages in both weapons, so families with children of all ages can start fencing.

The BBFC Beginner Pathway

BBFC gives families a clear progression:

1. $49 Introductory Fencing Lesson

A low-commitment first lesson for ages 4 and up.

2. $199 Introductory Fencing Package

Two private lessons and two group classes to help your child experience both individual coaching and class training.

3. Monthly Subscription

Choose once-a-week or unlimited classes and begin training consistently.

4. Continued Development

As students improve, BBFC offers a pathway from beginner classes into more advanced training, competitive programs, and long-term development.

For students who become serious about the sport, BBFC can support progression toward local competitions, national events, and eventually college recruitment.

Why Families Choose Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club

Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club combines beginner-friendly instruction with elite-level fencing experience.

BBFC is led by founder Dan Kellner, a 2004 Olympian, U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame member, and coach of athletes who have earned Olympic and World Championship medals.

The club’s Dumbo/Vinegar Hill facility includes nearly 8,000 square feet, 20 full-length fencing strips, and custom hardwood flooring.

For new families, that means your child can start in a welcoming beginner environment while training inside a serious fencing club with a proven development pathway.

How Much Does It Cost to Start?

Here is the typical beginner path at BBFC:

All beginner equipment is provided for introductory lessons and beginner classes.

Start with the $49 Introductory Fencing Lesson

The easiest way to begin is to book the $49 Introductory Fencing Lesson.

Your child will meet a BBFC coach, learn the basics, use real fencing equipment, and experience the sport in a focused one-on-one setting.

From there, the next step is the $199 Introductory Fencing Package, followed by a Monthly Subscription when your family is ready for regular training.

Start fencing at Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club today.