En Garde! Fencing Schools and Camps in New Jersey

5/19/14 - By Stephanie Forton

Give most children a stick, and inevitably it will become a sword. My children love battling it out with everything from wrapping paper tubes to broomsticks. Why not turn that love of battle into a great form of exercise for your kids? As a mother of a fairly coordinated kid who hates the idea of baseball, soccer, and football, I've come to realize that classes in an individual sports like karate or fencing might be the best way to get him sweating. Fencing is just the right mix of imagination and sport; kids love the cool swordplay, and parents love the discipline, coordination, and logical thinking that fencing lessons provide. If you are looking for a fun new sport for your kids, take a stab at fencing at one of these amazing fencing schools right here in New Jersey. For more great summer camps, check out our New Jersey Summer Day Camp Guide.

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Hub City Fencing Academy (Edison, NJ)
Hub City Fencing Academy offers a variety of options for kids.  A ten-week introduction to fencing class is offered for children ages 7 to 11.  The class is designed for those with little or no experience and provides a great foundation in the sport of fencing.  During the class students learn the basics of footwork, and the rules and techniques for fencing with the three fencing weapons (sabre, epee, and foil).  At the conclusion of the class, students choose the weapon they prefer and can move on to an appropriate group class for that weapon. Other options for children include a parent and me private lesson for children under the age of 7. Children in grades 2 through 5 can take part in the Saturday morning Fitness, Fencing & Fun program.  This high energy three hour session provides great exercise, fun, and training.  During the summer months, a competitive fencing camp for students 11 and older is offered. Campers work in small groups based on age, skill level, and weapon preference.  For more information, call 908-248-2232 or visit the school's website.

Freehold Fencing Academy (Freehold, NJ)
The Goal of the Freehold Fencing Academy is to promote the classical sport of fencing. The school is open to students ages 6 and older and provides a variety of opportunities for the novice up to the competitive fencer. Both private lessons and group lessons are offered. To accommodate the learning styles of different age groups, classes are broken up into youth, cadet, junior, and adults. Beginner classes cover safety, footwork, and drills and move on to bouting and competition. During the summer, week long camps are offered during which fencers at any level can work on physical conditioning, footwork, fencing drills, and bouting. The camp runs from 10am to 4pm and includes lunch.  For more information, check out the website or call 732-610-0322.

Kids Can Fence (Stirling, NJ)
Kids Can Fence brings affordable and professional fencing opportunities to school age children and teens. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are offered weekly. Private lessons are also available. The school offers a free trial class to kids who want to give the sport a try, and Kids Can Fence is one of the most reasonably priced fencing schools in New Jersey.  For more information, or to try a class, call 908-857-1776 or email info@kidscanfence.com.

Integrity Fencing Studio (Chatham, NJ)
The experienced coaches at Integrity Fencing Studio are focused on teaching the sport of fencing while incorporating its traditional values: courtesy, dignity, honor, and courage. The Studio offers group classes and private lessons to students as young as 6 years old.  All aspects of fencing, including foot work, blade handling, strategy, and safety, are taught.  In addition to its regular classes, the Studio also offers a summer program.  This week long program is focused on the individual skills of each student.  The program, which runs from 11am to 4pm is a great opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and a great way for intermediate fencers to improve. For more information, check out the website and Facebook page or call 713-732-0766.

Atlantic Fencing Academy (Tinton Falls, NJ)
If students have patience and enthusiasm, The Atlantic Fencing Academy will teach them skill. The school welcomes students at all skill levels and ages, beginning at 6 years old. Whether students are just looking for a fun sport or are interested in competitive fencing, the experienced coaches will help them achieve their goals. Beginner students learn the rules of fencing as well as basic footwork, technique, and simple attack and defense. Games and playful exercises are incorporated into the classes in order to develop students balance, coordination, and focus. In addition to group lessons, private lessons are also available. If you are interested in visiting or trying a free introductory class, contact the club at 732-383-5124 or visit the website for information.  

Cobra Fencing (Jersey City, NJ)
Kids will definitely enjoy fencing classes in this 25,000 square foot facility led by Olympic fencing master Steve Kaplan. The staff focuses on teaching students the sport of fencing while instilling integrity, sportsmanship, and the desire to excel. Students practice in small groups and are encouraged to attend class twice a week. Classes are broken into Cobra Cadets (ages 5 to 7), Kids Beginner Foil/Sabre (ages 8 to 12), and Adult Beginner (ages 13 and up). Parents can enjoy the convenience of dropping off their kids and returning after class is over, or watching class in their comfortable waiting room.  For class schedules and more information visit the website or call 201-882-2879.

New Jersey Fencing Alliance (Maplewood, NJ)
The folks at the New Jersey Fencing Alliance know that fencing is a great sport for children because it appeals to their sense of play in a non violent way. The school's classes teach kids the valuable lesson that in order to be successful, they must put forth effort. Students can try the sport by enrolling in one of the NJFA's beginner classes.  These classes are designed for students ages 7 to 13 with little or no exposure to fencing. During this class, emphasis is placed on having fun while learning. All equipment is provided at no extra cost. Intermediate and advanced classes are also available. During the summer months, the school also offers a summer camp. For details and pricing information, visit the website or call 973-763-5728.

Mr. Ma Fencing/The Fencing Academy of South Jersey (Locations in both Cherry Hill, NJ and Hillsborough, NJ)
The programs at Mr. Ma fencing are designed for both recreational and competitive fencers. The school has produced World and National Champions, and many students have received fencing scholarships when going on to college.  Classes are broken into both age groups and skill level. Beginner classes teach rules, fencing etiquette, and safety as well as basic combat and physical fitness training. The school also offers weekly summer camps that run from 11am to 6pm in season.  The camps are designed to improve the competitive fencer's skill level. For more information visit the website. The Cherry Hill campus can be reached at 856-424-5070, while the Hillsborough campus can be reached at 908-240-1911.

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