FAQs

Unlike other fencing clubs—or even other sports instruction in general—Sheridan Fencing Academy prioritizes the fun in sports training. This isn't just because everyone prefers having fun; having fun results in better learning. People learn more effectively when they are having fun due to the positive emotional engagement that enjoyable experiences foster. When individuals are entertained, their brains release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which enhance motivation and cognitive function. This exciting atmosphere encourages exploration and curiosity, leading to deeper understanding and retention of information. Additionally, when learners associate positive emotions with an activity, they are more likely to engage fully and participate actively, creating a dynamic environment where knowledge can be absorbed more naturally. Overall, incorporating fun into learning experiences can transform the process, making it more memorable and impactful.

We offer fencing programs designed for all ages and skill levels. Our programs include:

• 4 to 6 year old fencing lessons which are designed to provide a fun and safe introduction to the sport. These fencing classes for beginners are filled with fun games and play that help your child develop the motor skills and concentration they will need to excel in anything—not just fencing.

• 7 to 9 year old fencing lessons is our youth fencing program that introduces kids to the sport through games and play. This program focuses on doing more than just teaching a child to fence, however. In order to facilitate their physical and athletic development, children in our 7-9 year old classes are provided with a range of activities that focus on improving coordination, balance, strength, reaction, and concentration.

• 10 & older fencing lessons help students advance through our unique curriculum by taking periodic tests {similar to the belt tests in many martial arts) to assess and guide their progress. There are ten levels in total, which help students progress to higher competitive levels of the sport. 

Adult fencing lessons include classes for beginner and experienced fencers. They provide a high-energy workout while teaching and improving fencing skills.  Each class includes an array of activities that develop core strength, flexibility, and speed as well as technical and tactical exercises that will accelerate your fencing development.

Yes, we offer free trial fencing classes for kids who want to experience fencing before committing to a full session. This allows you to get a feel for the sport and see if it’s the right fit for you or your child.

Adults can try a fencing class for $25.

Yes, we offer adult fencing lessons that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned fencer looking to improve your skills, our adult programs are designed to meet your needs. These classes provide a great way to stay fit, learn a new sport, and join a vibrant community.

At Sheridan Fencing Academy, our programs offer rolling admission, meaning you can join a class at any time. This flexible approach allows new students to start whenever they like, without having to wait for a new session to begin.

No, you aren't required to purchase any equipment to join our fencing classes. We have equipment here that's available to use for classes and lessons. If you'd like to purchase your own fencing gear, here’s the link where you can buy everything you’ll need. That link has the gear listed by group and level to help you navigate what you might need.

Use the following codes at checkout for 10% off:

Upper East Side members, use the code: SFA

Forest Hills members, use the code: SFAFH

White Plains members, use the code: SFAWP

On the first day of fencing, you or your child will be introduced to the basics of the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment. Every class includes a warm-up and a series of games and exercises designed to help you become a better athlete and a better fencer. The most important thing you can expect on the first day? Fun.

Every Sheridan Fencing class incorporates activities that cover three main fitness components: general fitness, semi-specific fitness, and specific fitness. General fitness exercises are those exercises that aren’t about fencing, but contribute to the child’s overall health, coordination, balance, and general motor skills. Semi-specific fitness exercises are non-fencing exercises that help improve and develop the skills and abilities they’ll need for fencing—such as explosiveness, the ability to quickly change direction, and decision-making. Specific fitness exercises are all the fencing-specific activities (fencing footwork, bladework, bouts, etc.) you see in class. By developing all three of these aspects of fitness, your child can get the most out of our classes. They will be able to develop the best foundation of skills possible to be able to advance in the sport—and, of course, have more fun!

Competitions for children can be an enriching opportunity for them to learn, grow, and have fun! However, there is a tendency to rush children to compete too early and too often, which increases the risks of injury and burnout. It also can undermine a child’s enjoyment of their sport and of competition, in general. We therefore take a careful and gradual approach to introducing kids to competition, as detailed above in the description of our 10 & Older program. For younger kids, we offer our in-house Fencetastic Festivals. Our goal is always to make competition an exciting and enjoyable experience for all of our athletes!

It’s exciting to watch kids start a new activity, and natural to wonder what their future will be. Will they be champions? Maybe recruited to an Ivy League college? While all of these things are possible—and we have many examples of them at Sheridan Fencing—it’s important to remember that any success your child finds in the sport is a direct result of their interest and our patience. There’s no way to predict how well any kid will eventually do in the sport; in fact, some kids who start off with some difficulty, end up having incredible results. The only thing that is certain is that they can only do well if they love the sport. Our goal as coaches and parents is to help them develop that love, and give them time to grow.

Registering for a fencing class is easy. You can sign up online through our website by selecting the program you’re interested in and filling out the registration form.