FAQs &
Beginner's Guide

Nothing for your first session — we have loaner gear available. As you progress, you’ll want to invest in your own mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. We can point you toward reputable vendors.

We welcome athletes of all ages. Our junior programs start at age 8. Adults of any age are welcome in our beginner and intermediate classes.

No. Fencing rewards coordination, focus, and tactical thinking more than raw athleticism. Many successful fencers come to the sport with no prior athletic training.

Registration is handled through ZenPlanner, our membership portal. Use the Login button in the navigation to create an account and enroll.

Yes. Coach Kim and Coach Chung both offer private lessons. See the Private Lessons page for pricing and details.

8629 S Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499. Hours: Monday–Friday 4:00–9:00 PM, Saturday 9:30–12:30 PM.

A complete kit covers protection, a weapon, and a few accessories: a mask (full-head protection with a mesh front, FIE or USFA rated), a padded jacket covering the torso and sword arm, an underarm protector (plastron) worn under the jacket as a second layer, a glove for the sword hand, a foil or épée with a practice tip, and fencing knickers with long socks that reach above the knee. Tournament fencers carry two working weapons and two body cords as a minimum so a failure mid-bout doesn’t end the day. You don’t need any of it to start — loaner equipment is available for your first session.

Dedicated fencing shoes help, but any court shoe works to start. Look for strong lateral support, a flat grippy sole, durable material at the toe and heel, and a snug, well-laced fit — fencing is all quick starts, stops, and lunges.