DC Fencers Club

Though its focus is certainly on épée, the DC Fencing Club (DCFC) is the strongest fencing club I know of in the DMV area. It had (last time I was there at least) 8 electric, grounded strips, most of which have ceiling hookups. The coaching staff, especially the head coach, Janusz, are welcoming of any and all fencers who choose to fence at the club, and the other club members are incredibly friendly.
Members pay a general floor fee to use the space and can also take private lessons with members of the coaching staff. Additionally, the club leads a group conditioning course once a week.
Club members are welcoming to new and potential members and form a kind and close-​knit community. They organize themed fencing nights for holidays (like Halloween) and may arrange carpools for local tournaments. Some of this is certainly due to the number of families with fencing parents and children at the club, though most evenings you’ll find a number of non-​fencing parents there too. There are members of all levels of competitiveness and it’s generally a fantastic place at which to fence.

My daughter started fencing at this club several years ago after attending a summer camp and we haven’t left. This club combines terrific sport training with great sportsmanship and has athletes that span ages from 8 to almost 80. I was convinced to take up fencing after sitting on the sidelines for several months. In addition to multiple classes and lessons for children, the club has ongoing classes for adults as well, private lessons and open bouting, so you don’t have any excuse for not being able to make time. The great thing about the sport is that you can credibly take it up as an adult and attain a competent level without injury. Best exercise you’ll ever do. No spangly outfits, no mirrors, no guys with sweaty muscles dropping impossibly big weights, just lots of intelligent, «mental chess.» Kids have the opportunity to try their new skills at frequent in-​house matches. This club will make you feel welcome, no matter your level. Try it, you’ll like it. We did and do.

I have been trying to buy my father a gift certificate from here since fathers day. We’ve left many messages, sent emails and still no response. Such a shame because o hear great things but we live so far away. My rating is solely based on the fact that they are non responsive.

I’m getting frustrated… I’ve called several times and left 2 messages to see about joining a class this weekend and still no returned call… HELLO???

A few months ago, DC Fencers’ Club had a groupon for 4 weeks of introduction classes (as part of their «on-​going épée» class) — so the boyfriend and I jumped at the opportunity.
The On-​Going Épée Class: The class is really two classes in one. First are those who are beginners (like us) who do not own their own equipment and second are those with their own equipment. The two hour class is split in two parts. The first hour focuses on warm up and footwork; the second you dress in full gear and actually get to fence. While the class works together the first hour, the second hour advanced fencers can work more on their form. It’s not a lot of strict instruction, but Coach Ilya who leads the class does give constructive and actionable feedback on form to both beginners and advanced fencers. For the record, this class is aged 13+, but most of the fencers while we were enrolled in the beginner class were 40+.
Membership: After you complete the on-​going épée class (our groupon was for four weeks), you have the opportunity to join as a full member of the club. Club membership includes a lot of great benefits, such as a reduced cost for the classes, coaching at competitions, reduced cost for individual lessons, additional footwork classes, and the opportunity to fence during open gym hours.
Facilities: When we first got to the club, which is in a small industrial park we had our hesitations, but the gym is adequate for training. It has a good number of strips and electronic systems so that many fencers can be bouting at a time. The rental equipment they have available for your first 4 épée classes is also of good quality. The only issue is there are no showers available at the gym, but I live close enough to go home and shower after classes. ON EDIT: As Coach Ilya points out the bathrooms have been remodeled and there are now showers!
Coaches: I have only had the opportunity to work with Coach Ilya, but I absolutely ADORE him. He will push you to accomplish the goals you set for yourself, but he will also tell you not to hurt yourself in the process. If the stretch is too much he let’s you modify it without any comment or complaint. I have met two of the other coaches and both are also incredibly nice. I intend to start private lessons shortly, and will be able to comment more on the coaches at a later date.
Other Details: The DC Fencing club focuses on épée and saber fencing. There are a number of classes for children in both épée and saber. Our class overlaps with one of the kid’s saber classes and they look to be having a blast while learning.
Summary: It is a pretty no frills facility, but the coaches are top notch. It is a great environment to try out épée fencing (I previously took foil lessons and you can read that review else where). I am hooked and expect to become a life long member in a sport where age doesn’t seem to matter at all.
ON EDIT: I was going to do an update, but I think we are all better served if I just tack onto the end of this post. The significant other and I have become members and are now taking private lessons with Coach Ilya. Since we officially joined earlier this week, we have felt nothing but very welcomed at the club. Everyone has been so welcoming and many are willing to bout even with us beginners. Our private lessons also have been really eye opening. I see a long future for us and DC Fencer’s Club.

I started taking beginners lessons at DCFC a few months ago. The whole place as a great esprit de corps that you can feel after stepping inside. Fencers are very supportive of one another and helpful to newer members. instructors are friendly and you get very personalized attention. I feel very welcome and encouraged to continue with my practice there. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to give fencing a try or is looking for a club to practice with.