Fencing Classes
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Fencing Classes
Jan 2008
My 8YO son is desparately hoping that we can find a great camp
for next summer where he can learn Fencing, Archery and
Skateboarding. He's never had a chance to do any of the above,
so we need an introductory-level setting. Other than that,
some swimming, art and building/science time would be
wonderful. We know about Sports and Science camp, but it
appears they won't have archery or fencing for his age group in
summer of 2008. We hope to find a full day camp between El
Cerrito and Oakland-- any suggestions?
Mom of Modern Knight
My son went to the camps at Sports Fencing Center in El Cerrito
and also fenced there for a couple years and loved it. I think
the website is www.sportsfencingcenter.com. They are located
off of Central in El Cerrito. It's run by a married couple who
are GREAT and the kids really seem to love them -- Karen and
Darwin. The camps are a week long. I think there are only a few
during the summer and they are for any level, including
beginners. My son loved the camps. He took lessons there for a
couple years and also began to compete in tournaments. I don't
think there is another fencing club in the East Bay that's any
closer except for one in Alameda. I highly recommend the Sport
Fencing Center for both classes and the camps.
anon.
June 2003
I know there's already some information on the website; does
anyone have updates about introductory fencing classes for
preteens and teenagers? I've heard of the place in Concord, the
Kendo studio in Berkeley, and the schools in San Francisco.
Anything else in Berkeley or environs?
Melanie
The Sport Fencing Center is in El Cerrito around the corner from
Windmill Gymnastics (off of Central). Karen and Darwin Martos
own and teach the classes. There are beginner classes for all
age kids, more advanced classes for kids and adult classes.
My 12 year old son started in the winter and loves it.
The number is 528-5110 or check out their website,
www.sportfencingcenter.com
Have fun
June
There are beginning fencing classes at the Albany Community
Center this summer. The class description says it is for ages
7-14. We haven't done it, so can't recommend one way or the
other.
R.K.
My daughter took a fencing class through the Piedmont Recreation
Department, and greatly enjoyed it. There may be summer classes.
Here is info off the Web about the fall classes:
FENCING
8-13 years
Piedmont fencing classes emphasize the fun of fencing. Often
referred to as physical chess, fencing combines the mental
challenge of outthinking your opponent with the agility of
martial arts. During the Basic Foil class, our instructor teaches
the fundamentals of footwork, attacks, defense and strategy. This
class is appropriate for both beginning and continuing students
ages 8-13. Each class is an hour and a half of tactical games,
drills and bouting. Please bring a water bottle and wear
comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. All protective gear and
equipment is provided.
FRIDAY, 3:30-5 8055.151
8 weeks, September 6-October 25
Morrison Gym
Resident $124 Non-resident $139
FRIDAY, 3:30-5 8055.251
8 weeks, November 8-January 17
Morrison Gym
Resident $124 Non-resident $139
Phone (510) 420-3070 8:30-5:00,FAX (510) 420-3027 24 hrs. a day,
Web Site www.ci.piedmont.ca.us
PIEDMONT RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
358 Hillside Avenue
Piedmont, CA 94611
Phone-420-3070 FAX-420-3027
E-mail-prd AT ci.piedmont.ca.us
Siobhan
August 2001
Does anyone know of Fencing Classes given in the Berkeley area. My 10 year old son is very interested in learning to fence but I haven't been able to find instruction. Thanks !
Andrea
I don't know of any fencing clubs in Berkeley save for
that of the University's. Their salle may be open to
the public but I'm uncertain of this. Call and
inquire.
Check this list to see if any of these clubs are close
by.
http://www.olagrande.net/users/edew/baycup/clubs.html
Berkeley does have a Kendo (Japanese fencing) dojo on
Cedar Street. I don't know if your son might be
interested in trying the eastern version of the art.
The senseis (teachers) are very much open to having
visitors observe and try-out before joining. Having
practiced both for about 10 years, I've found Kendo to
to be uniquely challenging and more physically
demanding (although that can vary depending on the
teacher). These links will provide more information:
I looked for fencing classes for me two years ago (it was kind of a
family affair growing up in France in the 70's). I found a school
in Concord and one in Albany. From what I recall the one in Albany
was in a YMCA. I tried the one in Concord for a while (I leave in
Moraga), and enjoyed it untill I hurt my shoulders. Now I'm looking
again since my son, now 9, is really interested. I remember a center
in Stanford, linked with the University, may be Berkeley would have
something. I'm looking forward to other readers' answers as well.
Sophie
Cal's Strawberry Canyon Summer Programs usually offer fencing - see
Strawberry Canyon Web Site
Pacific Fencing Club in Alameda is supposed to be a good place. They're the
closest place to Berkeley. I know they offer instruction for kids. I took up
fencing out of the bay area (but later in San Francisco) as an adult. I
would think that, as most fencing clubs go, equipment could be lent to your
son as part of the instruction. You may want to see if he sticks with it
before investing in equipment. American Fencers in San Francisco sells all
kinds of stuff or Pacific may even be able to order for you. It's a fun
sport - Good luck.
Jane
Re Fencing: I fenced in college at a few different clubs as well as at Cal.
Halberstadt in S.F. gives lessons, but I don't think there's anything close
in the East Bay. I did find this URL called the California Fencing Club
Directory that might help: http://www.fencing.net/clubs/california.html .
Hope it helps -- fencing's a great sport. You also might try American
Fencers Supply Co. in SF: http://www.amfence.com/ they might be able to
point you in the right direction.
Mollie
Regarding fencing lessons - I took some really fun lessons in Concord -I
can't remember the name of the club, but the instructors name was George and
it was really fun and not horribly expensive. Plus he didn't make us run up
and down stairs like they did in college which was why I quit way back then
:) Look in the yellow
pages for Concord under fencing - they are probably still there. CIndy
this page was last updated: Feb 16, 2008
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