How to Get Started

Fencing is one of the world’s most elegant, strategic, and empowering sports — and getting started at the German Fencing Academy (GFA) is simple. Whether you’re brand‑new to fencing, returning after a break, or looking for a high‑performance training environment, we make the first steps easy, welcoming, and accessible for ages 6 and up.

1. Choose Your Path

We offer several entry points depending on age, experience, and goals:

Beginners (no prior experience) | Returning Fencers (some prior experience) | Competitive Fencers

Classes are visible from the Tucson Mall. Please understand that we do not allow drop in try-outs as to not compromise the safety and flow of our active classes.

Please do not purchase equipment prior to start, as the GFA Program Standard exceeds what most local programs require.

For Yuma, our options are currently limited to intro classes & camps (more info here).

Beginners

Perfect for anyone trying fencing for the first time. You’ll learn:

  • Footwork fundamentals

  • Blade work basics

  • Safety and equipment use

  • Rules and etiquette of the sport

Fencing equipment is provided.

Our intro package for beginners consists of 4 private one on one lessons followed by one group class.

These sessions can be scheduled at times that are most convenient for you, but should be held within one calendar month, to maximize your progress.

Please Bring

  1. Completed Waiver form.

  2. USA Fencing membership (there is a free 90-day trial).

  3. Indoor sports shoes (our favorite: the ASICS Gel Rocket).
    Please wear this shoe only inside of our studio, to protect our specialty flooring.

  4. Light Athletic clothing with knee high socks.
    Please pick tight fitting clothing, as we will wear protective gear over them. We recommend t-shirt and sports shorts. Fencing or long soccer socks will work.

  5. A refillable water bottle.

  6. Notebook and pen.

Book Now

Some Prior Experience

For athletes with prior fencing experience. This can be fencers who re-join after an extended absence from the sport, or athletes joining us from other programs.

Our program takes pride in high standards regarding safety, conduct and fencing fundamentals. We will revisit the GFA approach, and (re-)asses the athlete’s level of readiness before recommending the right practice group. This includes:

  • Movement skills

  • Safety and Etiquette Standards

  • Sportsmanship

  • Foundational fencing techniques

Please Bring

  1. Completed Waiver form.

  2. USA Fencing membership (there is a free 90-day trial).

  3. Dedicated indoor sports shoes (our favorite: the ASICS Gel Rocket).
    Please wear this shoe only inside of our studio, to protect our specialty flooring.

  4. Light Athletic clothing with knee high socks.
    Please pick tight fitting clothing, as we will wear protective gear over them. We recommend t-shirt and sports shorts. Fencing or long soccer socks will work.

  5. A water bottle.

  6. Notebook and pen.

  7. If you own fencing equipment, please bring it, so we can review which items fulfill our standard requirements.

Book Now

Competitive Fencers

For athletes aiming for national, international or collegiate pathways. Includes:

  • Advanced technical training

  • Tactical development

  • Strength & conditioning

  • Tournament coaching and planning

For competitive fencers looking to join our program, please book our competitive assessment package. We will revisit the GFA approach and standards, and (re-)asses the athlete’s level of readiness before recommending the right practice group.

Please Bring

  1. Completed Waiver form.

  2. USA Fencing membership (there is a free 90-day trial).

  3. Dedicated indoor sports shoes (our favorite: the ASICS Gel Rocket).
    Please wear this shoe only inside of our studio, to protect our specialty flooring.

  4. A water bottle.

  5. Notebook and pen.

  6. If you own fencing equipment, please bring it, so we can review which items fulfill our standard requirements.

Book Now

2. Join the Team

As you progress, we will offer the following programs:

  • Bambini Program (ages 6-10)

  • Youth Development Program (ages 11-18)

  • Competitive Program (all ages)

  • Elite Performance Program (all ages)

  • Adult Program

We also offer bouting classes for fencers, who have to stay active in the sport without committing to a formal program. However, we still require the same premium level of conduct and respect of the GFA standard in these classes.

We’ll help you find the right path based on your goals. Please contact us if you have any questions.