Welcome to our fencing family! We’re thrilled to have your child join us on this exciting journey into the world of fencing. Whether your child signed up for fun, fitness, or future competition, you’ve made a fantastic choice. This guide is designed to give you a deeper understanding of what to expect, how to support your child, and why fencing is one of the most rewarding sports a young person can experience.
In the sections below, you’ll find everything you need to know about fencing for kids — from class structure and safety to competitions and gear. Think of this guide as your go-to resource for navigating your child’s fencing experience with confidence and ease.
Fencing for kids is growing in popularity across the country — and for good reason. This sport blends mental agility with physical strength and coordination. It teaches kids how to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and be respectful both on and off the strip.
Benefits of fencing for kids include:
Most children begin their fencing journey between the ages of 6 and 8, but the sport offers a clear developmental path for older age groups as well. Here's how the progression typically looks:
Parents often ask, “Is fencing for kids safe?” The answer is yes. In fact, fencing is statistically safer than many traditional team sports. All kids wear full protective gear, including:
All instructors are trained in safety protocols, and sparring is always supervised.
A typical fencing for kids class is 60 to 90 minutes and includes:
Kids love the mix of movement, challenge, and camaraderie.
Yes, when your child is ready. Fencing for kids includes local, regional, and national competitions for all age groups. Competitive fencing helps kids develop goal-setting, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Absolutely. The fencing for kids community is welcoming and inclusive. Parents can watch practices, volunteer at events, and even learn fencing themselves. Many families find fencing becomes a shared passion.
You're already on the path — now let’s make sure you have everything you need to support your child’s journey in fencing.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we’re here to help every step of the way. Call us at (980)374-8686
Everything Parents Need to Know About Getting the Right Gear
As your child begins their saber fencing journey, having the right equipment becomes essential for both performance and safety. While beginners often start with borrowed club gear, owning personal fencing equipment provides a better fit, improved hygiene, and the confidence that comes from consistency.
This guide is designed to help parents understand exactly what gear is needed for youth saber fencers, when to buy it, and where to get it — including our trusted recommendation: Absolute Fencing Gear.
Most clubs provide gear for trial lessons and beginner classes. But as your child progresses into regular training and competitions, it’s time to invest in a personal set of equipment.
Benefits of owning gear:
Below is the list of required saber equipment for kids, whether they’re training consistently or preparing for local and regional competitions.
A saber mask includes a metallic lame bib to register valid head touches. It must fit snugly and comfortably.
Look for: CE-certified or FIE-rated for advanced competitors
Price range: $115–$140
Our pick: AF Sabre 350 N Mask - Absolute Fencing Gear
Covers the arms and torso and serves as the base layer under the lame. Saber uses a standard fencing jacket (not conductive).
Look for: 350N rating minimum
Price range: $100
Optional: Back-zip options for left-handed fencers
Our Pick: AF Kids Jacket - Absolute Fencing Gear
Adds a second layer of protection under the jacket on the weapon side. Mandatory for all fencers.
Look for: 350N or 800N rating
Price range: $25
Our Pick - AF Underarm Protector
Mandatory for girls; recommended for boys. Worn under the jacket and plastron.
Our Pick: AF Chest Protector
Price range: $35
The saber glove includes a conductive cuff that connects to the lame. Gloves must be in good condition with no holes.
Price range: $70
Our pick: AF Saber Glove – Absolute Fencing Gear
A conductive jacket that covers the target area — torso and arms. Required for registering valid touches in saber.
Price range: $109
Tip: Get a slightly larger size to wear comfortably over the regular jacket
Our pick: AF Saber Lame – Absolute Fencing Gear
Padded white fencing pants that extend just below the knees. Required for practice and competition.
Price range: $60–$90
Must be worn with long white socks
Our Pick: AF Fencing Pants
Two pairs recommended for training and competition. These cover the legs from ankle to below the knickers.
Price range: $5–$15
Our Pick: AF Fencing Socks
Your child will need at least two electric sabers — one for use and one backup. Electric sabers include the blade, guard, and body cord socket.
Price range: $79 each
Important! There are three blade sizes - 0, 2, and 5. Size 0 is for kids who fence under Y8, size 2 for those who fence under Y10, and size 5 for &12 and oder.
Our pick: AF Electric Saber – Absolute Fencing Gear
Connects the saber to the scoring system. You’ll need at least two body cords.
Price range: $35
Our Pick: AF Master Series Body Cord
Tip: Always carry a backup!
Connects the mask to the lame system. You’ll need at least two head cords.
Price range: $15–$25
Our Pick: German Mask Cord
Helping You Navigate Your Child’s Competitive Fencing Journey
Whether it’s your child’s first local event or they’re on the road to national competitions, fencing tournaments can seem overwhelming at first. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to support your young fencer on competition day.
Fencing tournaments are typically divided into three categories:
To participate in tournaments, your child must be a member of USA Fencing.
Here’s what your child will need:
Required Gear:
Other Essentials:
Label everything and pack the night before!
Don’t worry too much about rankings at the start — focus on learning and having fun.
Your Guide to the Competitive Fencing Season, Events, and Age Categories
If your child is ready to move beyond practice and experience the thrill of competition, understanding the fencing tournament calendar is essential. The world of competitive fencing offers exciting opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels — but navigating it can be confusing at first.
This guide will help you make sense of the fencing season, tournament types, point systems, and major events like the National Championships and Junior Olympics.
The USA Fencing competitive season runs from August 1st through July 31st each year. This seasonal structure is consistent for all levels — local, regional, and national — and determines qualification periods for championship events.
Knowing the season timeline is important for tracking points, registering for the right events, and preparing for milestone competitions.
There are three main types of fencing tournaments that youth fencers will encounter as they develop:
Who it’s for: All experience levels, especially beginners
Hosted by: Local clubs and divisions
Where to find them: AskFRED.net
Local events are perfect for fencers gaining experience in a friendly and accessible environment. They are typically unrated or mixed-rated events and may or may not affect USA Fencing rankings.
Who it’s for: Intermediate to advanced youth and cadet fencers
Hosted by: USA Fencing-sanctioned regional organizers
Types include:
RYC (Regional Youth Circuit) – For Y10, Y12, and Y14 age groups
RJCC (Regional Junior & Cadet Circuit) – For Cadet (U17) and Junior (U20) fencers
ROC (Regional Open Circuit) – For Senior and Veteran fencers (18+)
These events allow athletes to earn regional points, which are used for national championship qualification.
Understanding Super Youth Circuit Tournaments and National Points
As your young fencer progresses, you’ll start hearing terms like SYC, national points, and qualifying events. These are key parts of the competitive fencing journey for kids. Below is a simple breakdown of what SYCs are, which age groups they apply to, and how the USA Fencing national points system works.
SYC stands for Super Youth Circuit — a series of USA Fencing-sanctioned tournaments specifically for youth fencers. These events are held throughout the U.S. and serve as one of the primary pathways for youth fencers to earn national points.
Key facts about SYCs:
SYCs are ideal for youth fencers who have outgrown local competitions and are ready for a higher level of competition — but not yet ready for full national events like NACs.
Fencing age groups are determined based on your child’s age as of January 1st of the current fencing season (which runs from August 1 – July 31). Here's how they break down:
| Division | Age on Jan 1 | Typical Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Y10 | 10 & under | Grades 3–5 |
| Y12 | 12 & under | Grades 5–7 |
| Y14 | 14 & under | Grades 7–9 |
Fencers can often “fence up” (compete in an older age group) but not down. For example, a Y12-age fencer can also compete in Y14, but a Y14-age fencer cannot enter Y12 events.
Who it’s for: Competitive youth, cadets, juniors, and seniors
Hosted by: USA Fencing
Types include:
NAC (North American Cup) – Held multiple times per season across the U.S.
Junior Olympics – February event for Cadet and Junior fencers
USA Fencing National Championships – July event for all age groups, including Y10, Y12, Y14, Cadet, Junior, and Division I
These tournaments bring together the best fencers from across the country and are often stepping stones toward international competition.
Fencers earn points by placing well in regional and national competitions. These points contribute to national or regional rankings and determine eligibility for certain events.
Qualify for National Championships
Qualify for Junior Olympics
Improve seeding at tournaments
Gain visibility for college recruitment
Points are tracked by USA Fencing and divided by weapon, age group, and gender.
Fencing age groups are based on your child’s age as of January 1st of the current fencing season (which runs from August 1 – July 31). These divisions ensure fair and developmentally appropriate competition.
| Division | Age on Jan 1 | Typical Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Y8 | 8 & under | Grades K–2 |
| Y10 | 10 & under | Grades 3–5 |
| Y12 | 12 & under | Grades 5–7 |
| Y14 | 14 & under | Grades 7–9 |
Y8 events are usually offered at local tournaments and select regional events.
Fencers may fence up (compete in an older age group) but not down.
Age eligibility changes each fencing season, so it’s important to check current guidelines.
You can view the most up-to-date USA Fencing Age Eligibility Chart here:
USA Fencing Age Eligibility Chart (PDF)
Held throughout the year. Earning regional points helps fencers qualify for Summer Nationals.
Held annually in February. Qualification is based on national and regional points in the Cadet and Junior categories.
The biggest tournament of the year, held every July. Open to qualified fencers from every age group, from Y10 through Veteran.
Held monthly across different cities. These are high-level competitions with national points on the line.
You can track all USA Fencing-sanctioned events through:
Q: Can I leave during the tournament?
A: We recommend staying nearby. Tournaments run quickly, and fencers must report when called.
Q: How often should my child compete?
A: Beginners can start with 2–4 tournaments per year. Competitive fencers may attend 1–2 events monthly.
Q: What if my child loses early?
A: Everyone gets multiple bouts during the pool round. Even a single win can build experience and confidence.
Q: How do I find tournaments near me?
A: Check AskFRED.net or talk to your coach for recommendations.
