Rochester Youth Fencers (RYF) is introducing a Competition Training Program designed to accelerate fencers' growth through a unique approach.
Support Committed Fencers: From beginner to advanced levels, this program helps fencers take ownership of their growth by participating in private lessons and working closely with coaches to set goals, boost confidence, and enhance skills.
Encourage Participation in Tournaments: We aim to inspire fencers to compete in open USA Fencing and high school league tournaments.
Keep Costs Minimal: The program is designed to be accessible to all fencers who want to excel in this sport.
Financial Assistance: RYF is a volunteer-operated fencing club, and scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance.
Enroll in the Community Education Class: Start by enrolling in the current session of "RYF: Open Fencing / MN High School Meet Preparation" through the Community Education program.
Join the Program: Enroll in the Competition Program and purchase a private lesson activity card.
Pricing: Each activity card costs $150 for 5 private lessons or $300 for 10 private lessons. The card is valid for one year.
Limited Capacity: Due to the personalized nature of the program, we can only support a limited number of fencers at a time.
Lesson Duration: Each private lesson lasts at least 20 minutes and is held during the Open Fencing hours on Monday/Thursday between 7–9 PM, or by arrangement during off-hours.
Scheduling: Lesson slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To schedule a lesson:
Credits: For each lesson taken, $20 will be credited to the fencer’s account, up to $100 or $200, depending on the activity card purchased. Effectively, each lesson costs $10.
The fencer's credit can be used for:
USA Fencing membership fees.
Tournament registration fees for USA Fencing and MN High School tournaments.
Personal fencing gear (for first year fencers).
The club's proceed will be used to:
Fund RYF's club membership with the USA Fencing.
Provide scholarships and financial assistance to fencers in need.
Missed Lessons: If a scheduled lesson is missed, the $20 credit for that lesson is forfeited unless the absence is due to illness or the lesson is canceled 24 hours in advance.
Lesson Content: Lessons cover fencing techniques, tactics, strategies, and other advanced topics, tailored to the fencer’s skill level.
Group Private Lesson (GPL):
For sessions without a scheduled beginner class, a group of three or more students can form a Private Beginner Group. This program offers personalized instruction and training tailored to beginner fencers.
Program Details:
Eligibility: A minimum of 3 students is required to form a group.
Commitment: Participants must commit to a program of ten private lessons. There are no make-up lessons for missed sessions.
Content: The lessons will cover the same training activities as the standard beginner class, including:
Rules and etiquette of fencing.
Fundamental skills and techniques.
Basic tactics and strategies.
Pricing: The cost of participation is $100 for 10 lessons, in additional to the Community Education Open Fencing enrollment fee. Participants are not eligible for credits as described in the Individual Private Lessons program.
This program provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to start fencing with a more personalized approach and flexible scheduling.
Credit Expiration: Credits and any unused portion of the lesson fee expire one year after the activity card is issued. Unused credits will be forfeited.
Activity Card Validity: The activity card is valid only while the fencer is enrolled in the current Open Fencing class.
Additional Cards: If more lessons are needed, additional activity cards can be purchased.
Record-Keeping: Fencers are responsible for the activity card and record-keeping. Coaches will sign off on completed lessons. RYF is not responsible for lost activity cards.
Credit Redemption: To redeem credits, fencers must record the date, event attended, equipment purchased, and fees incurred on the back of the card, then submit the activity card to RYF for reimbursement in $20 increments.
Lesson Preparation: You must arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before your lesson's scheduled start time; otherwise, the lesson may be canceled. At the start of your lesson, you must be warmed up and equipped with, at minimum, a glove, jacket, mask, and weapon.
Non-transferable: The activity card is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Lesson Frequency: Fencers are highly encouraged to take lessons regularly—at least once a week.
Financial Assistance: Fencers who are committed to the program but have financial needs should contact a coach directly to discuss possible solutions.
RYF’s Mission: RYF is dedicated to promoting fencing for everyone, regardless of financial background, who is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to excel in the sport. We ask only for your commitment, patience, and effort.
If you are interested in enrolling in the Competition Program or have any questions, please contact any coach or e-mail RYF.