best classes for beginners in NYC

[fencer'smama]

We are moving to New York City and my son wants to take fencing lessons. What is the best club for beginners? Is there a big difference between fencers club, empire united etc..? Thanks in advance.

[Coldfire]

It depends on what you mean by best, and what weapon your son wants to fence. All of the clubs in NYC have beginner classes and coaches that will take on students that are just starting.

For sabre, Manhattan Fencing Center is a great choice. There are beginner kids classes and beginner adult classes as well should you decide to get in on the action. The coaches are also very strong. Go to manhattanfencing.org for more detailed information.

I can't really say much for the other weapons, but I know Fencers Club and Empire United both have very strong coaches.

[fencer'smama]

Thanks. My son is 7 and I'm not sure how to choose a weapon for him. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[the highlander]

Empire United Fencing, at 145 West 30th street, has a wonderful foil program for your son's age. He may want to take lessons too from owner-coaches Sean McClain and Jed Dupree, two of the youngest and very talented coaches in the country. They have a fun and wholistic approach to the teaching of the sport and are producing very good athletes out there.

[seak]

Honestly all those clubs (and NYAC etc) are great, but they're also a little pricey. For a 7 year old just starting out, find a club that's easy for you to get him to and from, that you feel comfortable with. Talk to the coaches observe a class etc.

What's most important is not necessarily to find the best coach, but the best teacher who will develop your kids enthusiasm for the sport, and help him enjoy it. If at some later date he decides that he wants to become more serious, then moving him to one of the top clubs makes sense, but you don't need an olympic level coach as a 7 yr old (and for a 7 yr old they might not be the best idea anyways). Just someone whose a good teacher and knows the basics.

[NNR]

7 is considered very young to start - although many clubs will take him for $$, in an honest moment, most will say that coaching doesn't really take until kid is about 9.

[journalmom]

Originally Posted by NNR

7 is considered very young to start - although many clubs will take him for $$, in an honest moment, most will say that coaching doesn't really take until kid is about 9.

Clubs do want to take 7 year olds but not just because of money. Most clubs have classes for young kids because kids are starting sports earlier and earlier and the clubs need to accommodate the demand. There's nothing wrong with that. You just have to compare the different programs to see if they meet your expectations.

At Empire United, there are two beginner classes for 7 year olds. One is called "Little Zorro" and the other is called "Youth Starter Program" There's also the summer camp in July - that might be a good way to try a club.

FYI - Jed, Sean, and Buckie have amazing ways of motivating their fencers. They can somehow tweak their methods of teaching according to the individual, whether he is a 7 year old or 17 year old with an attitude. May be that's why they turn out great fencers.

Oh another thing, if you get lucky, you can see Olympians (from past and the ones who are going to China this summer) and the National Teams training at the club and they may fence you if you ask them politely.