2 exempt, ABC 3 requires membership) --> Fencing Classes in Falls Church, VA | Nova Fencing & Archery Club
Falls Church, Virginia

Train. Compete.
Achieve. Repeat.

Epee and Saber. Ages 4 through adult. Beginner through nationally competitive. Equipment provided on day one.

Explore Programs
24
Fencing Strips
2014
Est. Falls Church
The Olympic Sport

Two weapons.
One club.

Nova teaches Epee and Saber. Our beginner programs build fundamental footwork and blade skills that translate to either weapon — so you can discover which one fits your style.

Fencing is an NCAA-recognized sport at 40+ colleges and universities. It is one of the few sports where training at the club level from youth through high school directly supports collegiate athletic recruitment.

Epee

The thrusting weapon. The entire body is valid target. No right-of-way rules — the first to land a touch scores. Precision and timing over aggression. Nova's beginner program teaches fundamentals that translate directly to epee.

Saber

The cutting and thrusting weapon. Target is the upper body. Right-of-way rules reward aggressive, attacking action. Fast, explosive, and spectacular — the weapon of cavalry and Olympic drama.

Why Fencing?

Five reasons to
pick up a blade.

01
As safe as badminton

Fencing’s injury rate is among the lowest in organized sport — on par with badminton. Fencers train in full protective gear from the first lesson, and beginner equipment is provided.

02
Confidence and quick thinking

Fencing is one-on-one: every touch is earned. It builds focus, discipline, and split-second decision-making — and the progress belongs entirely to the athlete.

03
A real college pathway

Fencing is an NCAA sport at 40+ colleges, and it’s rare enough to stand out in the admissions process. Nova coaches actively support recruiting for competitive fencers.

04
A sport for every body

There is no single fencer’s build. Tall or short, fast or patient — every style of athlete can win on the strip, and age is never a barrier.

05
Easy to try

Eight sessions for $185 with all equipment provided. No tryouts, no gear to buy, no long-term commitment — just show up and fence.

Find Your First Class →
Nova fencers and coaches at a USA Fencing national event Young Nova fencer with his medal alongside his coach
All Programs

All fencing programs.

Every program below is taught by certified coaches on Nova's 24-strip facility. Equipment is provided for all beginner classes.

Club membership required. Ongoing programs — Developmental, Recreational, Competitive, and Parafencing — require a Nova Club membership ($260/year). Beginner courses don't: ABC's of Fencing Levels 1 & 2, Youth Beginning, and Teen & Adult Beginning are membership-free. ABC's Level 3 does require membership, as the step up into the competitive track. Become a member →
ABC's of Fencing
Ages 4–6
ABC's of Fencing

The youngest fencers start here. A playful, structured introduction to footwork, coordination, and the basics of the strip. Designed around short attention spans and big grins.

8 sessions 1× per week $185 Equipment provided
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 Youth Beginning Fencing
Ages 7–12
Youth Beginner

Structured beginner fencing for school-age kids. Covers footwork, blade work, rules, and first bouts. No experience required — most students are completely new to the sport.

8 sessions 2× per week $185 Equipment provided
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 Teen and Adult Beginning Fencing
Ages 13+
Teen & Adult Beginner

Fencing for teens and adults starting from zero. Evening sections available. A surprisingly great workout — and one of the few sports where starting as an adult is completely normal.

8 sessions 2× per week $185 Equipment provided
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Developmental Fencing
Post-Beginner
Developmental

The bridge from beginner to competitive or recreational fencing. Technique deepens, tactics are introduced, and fencers begin entering their first USA Fencing tournaments. Up to 3 weekdays per week of coached sessions with structured drilling and bouting.

$299/month $334/month with equipment Membership required
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Competitive Fencing
All Ages · Rated
Competitive

For fencers pursuing USA Fencing ratings, High School All-American honors, and college recruiting. Up to 5 days a week of intensive, tournament-focused training coached at the highest level.

$495–$875/month Includes private lessons Membership required
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Recreational Fencing
All Ages
Recreational

Open bouting and coached sessions for fencers of all ages who want regular training without the competitive track. Up to 3 weekdays per week. Great fitness, sharp mental challenge, and a welcoming club community.

$299/month $334/month with equipment Membership required
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Parafencing wheelchair bout at Nova
Ages 7+ · Wheelchair
Parafencing

Wheelchair fencing in saber and epee, for athletes ages 7 through adult. All the speed and tactics of fencing, fenced from a chair fixed to a frame. Every piece of equipment you need to start is here at the club — and beginners are welcome in this brand-new program.

Membership required
Register Now →
One-on-One Coaching

Just you
and your
coach.

This is where the real relationship happens. Twenty minutes, one coach, one fencer — and over time, something genuinely special develops. Your coach learns exactly how you move, how you think, what trips you up, and what you're capable of. You set goals together and work toward them together.

Private lessons are the engine of a competitive fencer's development. They're also just one of the most satisfying parts of the sport — there's nothing quite like making a breakthrough in a lesson and feeling it click.

Single Lesson
$70

Book a one-off private lesson with any available coach. Great for working on something specific or trying private coaching for the first time.

  • 20 minutes per session
  • Nova club membership required
  • Contact the club to schedule
Call to Book — 703-999-8077
Competitive — Intensified Plan
Full Program

The complete competitive training package. Weekly private lessons with the same coach at a consistent day and time, ongoing group classes five days a week, and strength & conditioning. This is how serious fencers train.

$495
/month
1 lesson/week
$755
/month
2 lessons/week
$875
/month
3 lessons/week
  • Annual club membership required — $260/year
  • Own uniform and equipment required
  • Includes 5-day/week ongoing class and strength & conditioning
  • Same coach, same day & time each week
  • 20 minutes per private lesson
Private fencing lesson at Nova
New at Nova · Wheelchair Fencing

Parafencing

Parafencing is fencing from a wheelchair — the same speed, the same tactics, and the same one-on-one challenge as the able-bodied sport. Fencers compete from chairs locked to a frame at a set distance, so the action lives in the blade and the upper body. The first to land enough touches on the target wins, exactly as in standard fencing.

Nova coaches parasaber and paraepee for athletes ages 7 through adult. It's a brand-new program and we're actively growing it — beginners are genuinely welcome, and all the equipment you need to get started is here at the club.

Join Parafencing → Parafencing 101 →
Two wheelchair fencers in an epee bout at Nova
The Competitive Pathway

From first bout
to the national stage.

Nova fencers at nationals
USA Fencing Tournaments

Nova fencers compete at regional and national USA Fencing events throughout the year. Coaches attend tournaments and provide direct support on the strip.

High School All-Americans

Nova has produced High School All-Americans every year from 2018 through 2025. Our coaches know the pathway and actively work with fencers on the rating system.

College Recruiting Support

Fencing is an NCAA sport at 40+ colleges. Nova fencers have been recruited by Division I, Division II, and Division III programs. Head Coach Greg Kaidanov and the Nova coaching staff have deep relationships with college programs and actively support the recruiting process.

National Team Pathway

Multiple Nova fencers have qualified for and competed at the Junior Olympics. The ultimate competitive goal is a place on the U.S. National Team — and the program is built to support athletes working toward that level.

Call to Discuss — 703-999-8077
Nova coaching staff
2 of only 44
Fencing Maestros
in the U.S.
The Coaching Staff

The reason
champions
train here.

There are only 44 certified Fencing Maestros in the entire United States — and two of them coach at Nova. Combined with a Maître d'Épée and a Head Coach who grew up in the sport under his father, Hall of Fame Maestro Emik Kaidanov, this is the coaching staff that makes champions — and it's why they call Nova home.

Head Coach Greg Kaidanov
Greg Kaidanov
Head Coach · Co-Owner

Over 30 years of coaching experience. Trained under his father, Hall of Fame Maestro Emik Kaidanov, at Penn State. Has developed National and International competitors including Junior Olympians, USA Fencing High School All-Americans, NAC medalists, and USA Veteran National Team members. Teaches all three weapons.

Maestro Carlos Valencia
Maestro Carlos Valencia
Saber Coach · Fencing Maestro

Certified Fencing Maestro with a Fencing Coach degree from the University of Physical Education Budapest. Former Colombian National Saber Team member with nine World Cup appearances. International FIE Referee in saber and épée. Served as National Coach for the Colombian Junior and Cadet Sabre Team.

Maestro Marco Secco
Maestro Marco Secco
Épée Coach · Fencing Maestro

Certified Maestro holding a Third Level advanced instructor diploma in all three weapons of Olympic fencing. Coached the gold medalist in Veteran Women's Épée at the 2024 Pan American Championships. Extensive competitive record across European and Italian national championships.

Coach Damien Lehfeldt
Damien Lehfeldt
Maître d'Épée · Former Chair, USA Fencing Board of Directors

AAI-certified Maître d'Épée — the highest coaching certification obtainable in the weapon. Has coached numerous national medalists and an Olympian in Modern Pentathlon. Previously served on the U.S. Men's Épée National Team as Director of Strategy and Analytics. Former "A" rated competitor and N2 certified referee.

2
Certified Maestros
44
Total in the U.S.
+ 6 Assistant Coaches

Nova's coaching staff also includes six assistant coaches who work across beginner, developmental, and competitive programs — ensuring every fencer on every strip gets quality instruction.

Pro Shop

Fencing Equipment.

Nova's pro shop carries everything a competitive fencer needs. We stock FIE-rated Eurofencing uniforms (800N) as well as our own Nova-brand uniforms (350N). Staff can help with sizing and selection.

Saber & Epee Masks Uniforms & Plastrons Epee & Saber Weapons Saber & Epee Gloves Lamés Mask & Body Cords Rolling Bags & A-Bags
Fencing Star Shoes

Sample sizes available to try in-store. Order online through Fencing Star with a Nova discount code — ask at the pro shop for details.

Available in-store · 703-999-8077 · Mon–Fri 4–8pm

Common Questions

FAQ

Do I need to buy any equipment to get started?

No. All beginner classes include full equipment — you show up, we handle the rest. Once you decide to continue, our pro shop can help you find your own gear.

Do I need a USA Fencing membership?

Yes. Per USA Fencing requirements, every fencer must become a member of USA Fencing to be covered by insurance. Non-competitive membership (called Access Membership) costs $29 per fencing season. Fencers can upgrade to competitive membership prior to their first official competition ($99 per season). New fencers should register at member.usafencing.org.

Do I need to join Nova Fencing Club?

Enrollment in Nova Fencing Club is mandatory for all fencers who regularly train with us, except for participants in the Introduction to Fencing program. All competitive fencers must list Nova Fencing Club as their official club affiliation when registering for any local, national, or international tournaments.

What is the difference between Epee and Saber?

Epee is a thrusting weapon where the entire body is valid target and there are no right-of-way rules — the first person to land a touch scores. Saber uses the upper body as target and rewards aggressive attacking action with right-of-way rules. Both are taught at Nova. Most beginners discover a preference after a few weeks.

How old does my child need to be to start?

ABC's of Fencing starts at age 4. Youth Beginner takes ages 7–12. There's no upper age limit — we have members in their 60s and 70s who started as adults.

Is fencing dangerous?

Fencing has an excellent safety record. All practice and competitive gear meets USA Fencing safety standards. Weapons are blunted and flexible. Injuries in fencing are rare and typically minor — far less frequent than contact sports like soccer or basketball.

Can fencing help with college admissions?

Yes — in two ways. Fencing is an NCAA sport at 40+ colleges, and Division I, II, and III programs actively recruit. Additionally, fencing is a rare sport that stands out in the general admissions process. Nova coaches actively support the recruiting process for competitive fencers.

What happens after the beginner course?

After completing a beginner course, students can continue into our Developmental program, which bridges beginner skills to competitive or recreational fencing. They can also pursue private lessons or continue with ongoing classes. Your coach will make a specific recommendation at the end of the beginner session.

Does Nova offer an after-school fencing program?

Yes. Nova is happy to offer after-school fencing at local elementary schools or at our club, provided the school arranges transportation. We currently serve schools in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and DC. The after-school program introduces students to fencing fundamentals in a fun, structured setting. It is not competition-focused, but students who want to continue fencing are welcome to join the club. Contact us at 703-999-8077 for details.

Come home to Nova.

Find the right beginner class for your age. Equipment provided. No experience needed.

Find Your First Class →
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© 2025 Nova Fencing & Archery Club. All rights reserved. 3505 Carlin Springs Rd · Falls Church, VA 22041 · 703-999-8077 · Weekdays 4–9 PM, Weekends 9 AM–5 PM