At West Coast Fencing Academy in Austin, the group your child joins depends first on age. Within some slots there are two groups side by side, each at its own level. Coach Pasha confirms the group and the day when he calls you back, so you do not need to get this exactly right before booking.
The groups at a glance
| Ages | Group | When | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | Kids | Saturday, 9:00–10:00 AM | $120 a month, once a week |
| 7–11 | Beginners and experienced | Monday and Wednesday, 6:00–7:30 PM | from $150 a month |
| 12–18 | Beginners and Elite | Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6:30–8:30 PM | from $150 a month |
| 19+ | Adults | Wednesday, 8:00–9:15 PM | $120 a month for adult beginners |
| 7–18 | Elite | Four times a week | $275 a month |
Ages 4 to 6: the Saturday kids' class
The youngest fencers have their own class on Saturday morning, 9:00 to 10:00 AM. It is a beginner class, once a week, $120 a month. If you wonder whether 4 is too young, read at what age a child can start fencing.
Ages 7 to 11: Monday and Wednesday evenings
Children aged 7 to 11 train on Monday and Wednesday, 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Both evenings are open to beginners and to experienced young fencers. A beginner can start with either day.
Ages 12 to 18: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings
Teenagers train on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. On these evenings a beginner group and the Elite group share the salle: they train side by side, each at its own level, so a new fencer starts with other beginners.
What about an 18-year-old? An 18-year-old trains with the 12 to 18 group. The adult class is for fencers aged 19 and over.
Elite: for fencers who want to compete
Elite is competitive training, four times a week, for fencers aged 7 to 11 and 12 to 18. It costs $275 a month. Elite is open to join: there is no invitation needed, and the way in is the same as for everyone else, a free first class. Talk to Coach Pasha about where your child is and what they want from fencing. If your teen is thinking about fencing in college, fencing and college: what the numbers say has the NCAA figures.
Adults, 19 and over
Adults have their own class on Wednesday, 8:00 to 9:15 PM, for beginners and experienced fencers; the adult beginners' price is $120 a month. Starting fencing as an adult has more on that class.
How many classes a week?
For beginners aged 7 to 18, the price depends on how often your child trains:
- once a week: $150 a month,
- twice a week: $190 a month,
- three times a week: $240 a month.
A common way to start is one or two classes a week, and to add more once your child is hooked. More classes mean faster progress, but the first goal is that your child enjoys coming. Every member also pays a $500 annual membership on top of the monthly price. How much fencing costs adds up a first year at one and at two classes a week.
Private lessons
Private lessons with the coach are available too: $70 per 20 minutes for non-members and $60 for members, or a package of 10 lessons for $550, and 20 lessons for $1,000 for members. Ask the coach whether they make sense for your child.
Brothers, sisters and parents
Children of different ages go to their own age groups. A parent who wants to fence too can join the adult class. When you leave your number, choose "My child and me" and the coach will sort out the classes for both of you when he calls.
Still not sure?
Call Coach Pasha at (408) 592-1244 and tell him your child's age and experience. Or pick a class on the free class page, and read what happens at the first class.
