Sport Fencing in Santa Barbara
Sport Fencing in Santa Barbara
Embedded Files
Home to Presidio Fencing, the Santa Barbara Fencers Club provides training and practice in Olympic sport fencing to novice and experienced athletes, aged 10 to Adult. We are a member club of the Southern California Division of the United States Fencing Association. We operate under the umbrella of the Central Coast Fencing Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID# 820540198).
Membership with the United States Fencing Association is required before joining any class.
Information on Practices
Information on Practices
We train as a team, twice per week. Practices include fencers with a range of ages and abilities, from 10-70+, from beginner to advanced, and sometimes even the elite/Olympic level.
Practices are always confirmed on the club's Google Calendar.
Fencers must have their own gear to fully participate in group classes.
Our equipment page lists what to buy.
Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Veteran's Memorial Bldg on Cabrillo:
Thursdays begin with warm-up exercises and conditioning drills to improve strength, agility, and power, and to provide a foundation for tactics.
Conditioning is usually followed by 60-75 minutes of blade work drills. We work in small groups and reinforce coach-led, technical actions with a weapon. Instruction is provided in epee (as opposed to foil and saber).
Occasionally, we address topics such as nutrition, goal setting, tournament mentality, and equipment maintenance. We also sometimes use practices to hold mock-tournaments and prepare for competitions.
Sundays from 12:30 - 3:00 pm
Goleta Valley Boys and Girls Club on Hollister:
Sunday practices are geared primarily toward Sparring for ages 13+.
Sparring is like a series of "pick-up games" on the electrical scoring machines.
12:30 - 1 pm: Warm up games and footwork
1:00 - 1:45 pm: Youth 12 group class
1:00 - 3:00 pm: Sparring for ages 13+
2:00 - 3:00 pm: One-on-one lessons for intermediate/advanced fencers
Introductory Lessons
Introductory Lessons
As of January 2026, new fencers should simply join drills classes on Thursdays at 5:30 pm and/or Sundays at 12:30 pm to try out the sport. Minimal equipment is available for drills, but this gear cannot be used for sparring.
After four lessons, the regular floor fee of $20/class will apply.
USA Fencing's free trial membership is good for 90 days, but please keep in mind there are some Thursdays and Sundays where we are unable to practice. Always check the calendar.
Due to the range of ages and ability levels among club members, it is imperative that students be able to focus on the task at hand. If it helps, parents should also consider participating.
Before your first class
Before your first class
Complete the Registration Form using the button above and then check the club Google calendar above to find the next available class.
Register with USA Fencing for a free trial membership. This free trial will be good for 90 days.
Show up. Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. Bring a water bottle. You might also want to bring a spare t-shirt. Fencing practices impart basic technique through repetition. They're like fitness classes, but instead of an aerobics step or other equipment, you'll use a sword. Some practices may only involve footwork, but you will eventually get the moves down and be ready to go toe to toe with an opponent.
Watch the preparatory and footwork videos linked below in our References section. Video Group #1 is a little dated, but the actions are sound. Video Group #2 is an innovative approach to fencing movements taught by Olympian Dave Littell. He provides a whole series of valuable videos that start with a functional understanding of the sport.
After your first class
After your first class
Try at least four introductory classes and, in between lessons, continue to practice the basic footwork and movements you learn. While there is a floor fee of $20/class for Drill and Sparring sessions, we do not charge for the first four classes. We want you to apply that money toward gear. Of course, donations for intro classes are always welcome.
When you're ready for sparring, purchase your equipment. Find a list of what to buy on our equipment page. A complete set of brand new gear will cost ~$300 (mask, jacket, glove, underarm protector, chest-plate, weapon, and body cord). Santa Barbara Fencers Club is not an equipment vendor; however, we do try to connect new and old fencers to sell second-hand gear.
After 90 days you will need to purchase an Access Membership ($29) from US Fencing in order to continue. This fee is paid directly to US Fencing and provides access to regular club activities.
Fees and Services
Fees and Services
Payment via Cash, Check, or Venmo (@presidiofencing)
"Floor Fee" - $20/practice (90 mins)
We operate on a per-practice basis, rather than monthly membership
Floor fee must be paid in advance to guarantee participation
Membership with US Fencing is required
Private and Semi-Private Lessons - $30/lesson (30 mins)
For additional training, lessons can be arranged one-on-one or in a small group at the availability of a coach, typically outside of group practice
A typical lesson duration is 30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down
Some lessons might end earlier, at the coach's discretion, and for various reasons (i.e. student fatigue or lack of focus)
Some lessons might last longer
Lesson cost may exceed $30
The minimum cost is $30
Membership with US Fencing is required, and fencers claiming Santa Barbara Fencers as their primary club are given priority
Tournament Coaching - Variable rates
Coaching at Central Coast Fencing Foundation functions, SoCal Scholastic events and other local events is included for members, gratis
For larger competitions involving travel (i.e. some qualifiers, RYC, SYC, ROC, and NAC), all participating athletes will share in their coach's travel expenses and Per Diem
Armoring and Equipment Maintenance - $60/hour + parts
Body cord repair is typically 15 minutes: $15+parts, as needed
Rewiring a weapon typically take 30 minutes: $30+parts, as needed
Persons willing to learn how to armor can get discounted rates on repairs
Tournaments
Tournaments
There are a number of different fencing leagues, including those for youth, those for inter-scholastic competition, and those leading up to the Olympic Games.
Each league or conference tends to have its own championship event. Rather than try to keep track of all of the events, we have prepared a list of links to various league calendars.
Equipment
Equipment
All fencers must purchase their own equipment to participate in our practices. Santa Barbara Fencers Club is not an equipment vendor, but we provide a list of trusted vendors and guidelines on what to buy.
We also try to connect people to buy and sell second-hand gear. Are you looking for another jacket or mask?
Important Links
Important Links
Expand for links
askFRED.net (online tournament calendar)
US Fencing Rules and Compliance (Rulebook and Athlete handbook)
The Fencing Post (preferred equipment vendor)
Footwork Video Group #1 (2 videos from the USFA Coaches College)
Footwork Video Group #2 (7 total videos from Dave Littell)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse