Physical skill
Footwork, quick changes of direction, and lunges make practice active. Fencers work on balance, coordination, and control, then use those movements with a partner. The exercise has a purpose they can feel in the next exchange.
Fencing for ages 11–14 · Watertown, MA
A physical challenge.
A thinking sport
Give your child a sport that asks them to move, think, and make their own decisions. Our ages 11–14 fencing classes combine an engaging challenge with experienced coaching and practice alongside their peers. Start with a free class in Watertown and see how they take to it.
New fencers welcome · Trial equipment included · No purchase required
Ages 11–14Beginners welcomeTrial equipment included
Something worth getting into
A new challenge, with room to find their own way
Fencing is a contest between two people, each trying to score a touch while responding to the other. It’s quick and physical, but the most obvious move isn’t always the right one. A patient approach, a change of rhythm, or an unexpected decision can change the exchange.
That gives a young fencer plenty to get absorbed in. They learn a movement, try it against a partner, and start working out when it works. There’s the satisfaction of landing a touch—and the curiosity of figuring out the next opponent.
At Allez, they can begin at 11–14 without having fenced before. We teach the foundations and help them build from their starting point. They don’t need years of experience, their own equipment, or a decision about competing to come to the first class.
What they’ll work on
Confidence has something behind it when they can see themselves improve
We want fencers to enjoy the challenge and understand their progress. An action that starts working, a decision they make for themselves, or a difficult match they stay engaged in gives them something concrete to build on.
Independent thinking
There isn’t one answer to every opponent. Fencers learn to notice a reaction, choose an action, and change it when needed. The coach guides the work; the fencer gradually takes more ownership of the decisions.
Resilience in practice
A lost touch is immediate feedback. We help fencers understand what happened, settle after frustration, and return to the next action. Effort matters, especially when a skill takes more than one attempt to learn.
An individual sport, a shared practice
Matches are one-on-one, but training happens with other people. Fencers change partners, try different approaches, and get to know the group through repeated practice. We want Allez to be a place where your child can work hard, enjoy the people they train with, and look forward to coming back.
The first visit
A first class they can step into
Meet the coach & get ready
Meet the coach, get fitted with club equipment, and learn the safety rules. We’ll show your child how to stand, move, and hold the épée before they start fencing.
Move & practice with a partner
Learn how to step forward and back, hold the sword, and make a controlled touch. Then try a simple exercise with a partner. The coach explains the task and gives them time to practice. Questions and mistakes are part of learning.
Put it into practice
When ready, they’ll try short, supervised matches, called bouts. The coach explains the scoring and gives them a task to try. They can experience the game, ask questions, and decide whether they want to come back.
Coaching at Allez
Help that’s specific to the fencer
If a beginner keeps missing, telling them to try harder isn’t enough. They may be starting too far away or moving their feet before their hand. We help them understand what happened and give them one clear change to try next.
Early practice focuses on getting comfortable with the equipment, moving with balance, and recognizing when another fencer is close enough to reach. As those basics become familiar, we introduce decisions about when to attack, when to defend, and how to respond to a different partner.
Head coach Mark Elbag brings more than 20 years of épée coaching experience, from first-time fencers to athletes preparing for national competition. Épée is the type of fencing taught at Allez. Mark pays attention to how each fencer learns and gives feedback they can use in their next exercise or match.
We take the training seriously and make room for questions and mistakes. Some fencers will become interested in tournaments; others will enjoy the challenge of club practice. Your child can start with the experience itself and build from there.
Meet the Allez team · Equipment, competitions, and the parent guide
After the trial
Try it first. Then choose a routine.
The first class is free. If your child wants to continue, the beginner option starts with one class a week. They can attend an available Monday, Wednesday, or Friday class within that weekly allowance. Miss a day? Make-ups are available on another suitable class day.
Beginner rate · 1 coached class / week
Three full calendar months$150 / month
Three full calendar months$150 / month
2 coached classes / week$350 / month
3 coached classes / week$450 / month
The beginner rate ends after three full calendar months; a partial joining month is prorated. Your family then chooses an ongoing package to continue. There is no automatic upgrade.
The two- and three-class packages include two fitness sessions and open fencing each week. Open fencing is time for practice matches rather than a coached class. Coached classes run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 5–6 PM. Saturday open fencing is 10 AM–12 PM; your coach can help decide when your child is ready to join those practice matches.
Annual club membership is $250 per family, first billed in month three. Club gear is available during initial beginner training; fencers then need their own equipment. We’ll help you choose the right sizes before you buy.
The joining month is prorated. Payment dates and amounts are shown before checkout. Payments are nonrefundable; cancellation requires 30 days’ notice. The beginner class package ends at the stated date unless your family chooses another package.
All package options · Club policiesBefore you come in
Can they start at 11–14 without previous experience?
Yes. We welcome new fencers in this age group and teach the foundations. Your child doesn’t need a sporting background or prior knowledge of fencing. The coach chooses suitable exercises and partners for their starting point.
What if other fencers already know more?
The regular class includes different levels of experience. Being new doesn’t mean being expected to keep up with every exercise immediately. The coach introduces the movements, explains the task, and helps your child practice with an appropriate partner.
Does my child have to compete?
No. They can learn, train, and enjoy fencing at the club. If competitions become an interest, we can help choose a suitable first event and explain the preparation.
How is safe practice taught?
Fencers wear a mask and the required protective clothing. Beginners learn how to handle the épée, when to start and stop, and how to use controlled actions before supervised fencing. Tell the coach about any loose or uncomfortable equipment before continuing. Please discuss injuries or participation concerns before class.
What should they wear and bring?
Wear long athletic pants and sneakers, bring water, and arrive about 10 minutes early. Equipment is provided for the trial. Please tell us about any injury or participation concern before class.
What if my child isn’t sure about trying?
Look at the class together and let them have a say. If they’re curious but nervous, mention it when booking so the coach knows what feels unfamiliar. The free trial gives them a chance to experience the sport before your family chooses a package.
How do drop-off and pickup work?
Youth classes follow a drop-off and pickup format. Return promptly when class ends. With 10 parking spaces, we ask families to keep drop-off and pickup brief so arriving families have space.
Ages 11–14 · Free trial
Let them try it for themselves
Choose a Monday or Wednesday, 5–6 PM. Meet the coach, try the practice, and see whether fencing is something your child wants to keep doing. Trial equipment is included; no package purchase is required.
Questions? 781-301-1845