En Garde Fencing

My son had his birthday there last weekend. Jim was fun and encouraging while keeping kids in line and learning. My 12-​year-​old declared it the best birthday party venue he has ever had as did his friends (who ranged from 7 – 13 years old). Jim kept them moving for a solid two hours both with fencing and also with creative warm up cool down games. This is a great find for Sonoma County parents!

Not only is Jim a great fencing instructor for kids, his staff of assistant coaches is equally good. They all seem to have a great rapport with the kids and they all instill both fun and focus – not an easy task with 10 to 15 kids waving swords! Although an undisclosed number of years out of practice myself, as a fencer through college, I am pleased with both the pacing and the format of the instruction and the graded levels. I can’t wait for the opportunity to join my daughter in the fun, when my work allows.

My son has taken a summer camp, the teen class, and some private lessons. All are excellent, as are the coaches! They are able to strike an amazing balance between hard work and having fun. I can’t recommend EGF enough!

Rally nice staff, great with kids (had my son’s b-​day party there), fair price. Recommend highly!

If you or your little one wants to fence, this is the guy to learn from! Competent and encouraging, Jim is all about fair play and good sportsmanship. My 10 year son has been fencing here for about a year and half and he loves it! That’s say a lot for a shy little guy. Jim and his great assistants put everyone at ease and get everyone to do their best. When J. decided to try a SF tournament, Jim drove all the way down to the Mission to coach him — as a courtesy! That’s the kind of caring coach every parent wants in their kids’ life!

En Garde Fencing is everything a fencing club should be, and more. Whether you’ve got a young child who has been inspired by sword fights, and knights in days of yore, or you are an adult who remembers your first time pretending that you were brandishing a light saber, En Garde is the place for you.
Jim, the coach, is living his dream, bringing fencing to the masses. He is very patient, a lot of fun, and works very hard while making it look easy. My eight year old daughter has learned a lot about fun, fairness, courage, and being a good sport. Fencing teaches strength, grace and patience, too. Mentally, fencing is challenging, as a fencer is always thinking of strategies and making lighting quick decisions.
I can’t recommend En Garde highly enough.

Jim is amazing. My 6 year old son looks forward to going to fencing. Jim has the rare ability of being able to get children to listen while still having fun and teaching solid motor skills. A++

I’ve taken fencing classes from Jim, the Owner/​Coach of En Garde Fencing, as well as private lessons. Yeah and I’m still a beginner. Wanna make something of it?! I didn’t think so.
Jim is an excellent coach. He’s especially great with beginners, always very patient and encouraging. He doesn’t make me feel ridiculous. It’ll probably be the same for you. He’s tenacious and works hard to keep students interested and engaged. It’s obvious that he really loves fencing and he loves to teach. That’s a pretty good combo for a fencing instructor.
He’s really good with kids. I don’t know why. He doesn’t have any. Maybe it’s similar to cats being attracted to people who are allergic to them. Whatever the deal is, he’s incredibly good with kids. They actually listen to him and they really like him! The little fellers always seem to be having a lot of fun.
En Garde is a great facility. It has a special floor, with these little cushion-​y peds underneath, so it’s easier on the joints and just all-​around better for fencing. The fencing strips meets USFA standards, so they can hold USFA sanctioned tournaments there, which they regularly do.
Oh and he washes the gear regularly. I know, you’re probably thinking, «Well, yeah, just like all the other fencing instructors! Right?» Hahah. Oh man, you crack me up. Let me just clear up that misconception. No, dude. No, they don’t. I have put on some really disgusting fencing jackets and let’s not even mention the gloves. Oh, the gloves… (shudder). Anyway, Moniteur Jim (he’s got an actual fencing teaching degree), regularly washes everything. Even the masks!
My summary: Terrific instructor + great facility = Yeah, baby!

En Garde has a really great atmosphere, great kids who like to work hard and have fun, and great instruction from Mr. Liebich. Great facility with 6 fencing strips, plenty of room, and a great floor. I highly recommend it!