Group classes and private lessons are available for all ages at FIT.  Youth may begin as early as 6 years old in the Page Program.  You are never too old to learn to fence!  We have one of the largest groups of Veteran (over 40) fencers in the Metroplex. Use these links to navigate to a specific program:

Group Classes

Fencing Institute of Texas has two types of group classes; those designed for the recreational fencer and those designed for the competing fencer. FIT Instructors do not believe in segregating fencers by beginner, intermediate, or advanced.  Our philosophy is that beginner fencers will learn more quickly while working with more advanced fencers; and the more advanced fencers will understand fencing better when they can also teach it to others.  However, we do believe is segregating fencers according to age and size for safety reasons.

Page, Squire, and Fitness Fencing are the programs designed for the recreational fencers.  These classes are designed to teach fencing skills and tactics, and prepare student for local competitions.  FIT will provide equipment for beginners who are deciding whether to continue with the sport.  After 2 months, students are expected to begin purchasing their own equipment.  

• Page classes are for very young fencers ages 6-10.  Although the youngest age allowed to compete in a USFA-sponsored tournament is 8 years, younger fencers may begin learning the concepts and skills of fencing through play.  Page classes are one hour.  Generally, students start with the foil.  
• Squire classes are for youth fencers ages 11-14.  These classes are 1 1/2 hours and place more emphasis on fencing tactics than the Page program.  There are students learning all three weapons (foil, epee, and sabre) in this class.
• Fitness Fencing is our beginner through intermediate adult program.  It is designed for fencers 15 and older.  Students are allowed to come to as many or as few classes per week as they would like.  Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 7-8 PM, and two sessions on Saturday, 10-11 AM and 2-3 PM.  Generally fencers in this class are started with epee.   

The Intermediate Youth, High Performance Group, High Performance Package, and Masters Program are designed for strength, agility, and endurance training for fencers competing through the international level.  This group class can be intimidating to fencers just entering the class; however, it doesn't take too long to get up to speed (literally!).  Newcomers to this class are cautioned to start slowly and not try to keep up until their muscles are ready.

• Intermediate Youth Program is group instruction and private lessons for after school and home school children and those who want to meet more than once per week.  Group classes are Tuesday and Thursday 4:30-6:00 PM and Saturday 10:00-11:30 AM.
• High Performance Group is group instruction only and does not include private lessons.  Group classes are held Monday through Friday 6-7 PM, and Saturday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.  Students may come to as many or as few of these classes as they'd like.
• High Performance Package is the high performance group with one private lesson per week included.
• Masters Program is by invitation of a coach only.  Students receive the high performance group, plus multiple weekly lessons, private training sessions, and special camp training.  Students in this program generally are competing nationally or internationally.  

We have a FREE introductory class offered every Friday evening from 7-8 pm.  Pre-registration is not reqired; just arrive about 15 minutes prior to the class.  Wear tennis shoes and exercise clothing.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are one-on-one sessions with a coach.  Lessons are generally 20-30 minutes in length; however, sometimes a coach may give a shorter lesson or longer lesson depending on what they are working with the student.

 Private lessons are not necessarily used to teach fencing; we believe this is better learned in group classes.  There the student will learn the basics of fencing (how to move up and down a strip, basic parries, etc.).  Private lessons are used to adjust something a student is not doing correctly.

Private lessons may be purchased individually and used to augment any of the FIT group class programs.  We encourage students in the Page, Squire and Fitness programs to begin adding private lessons after 2-3 months.      

Specialty Programs

FIT operates two types of summer camps: one for those competing at the national and international level, and summer day camps for beginner to intermediate students.

FIT also has a winter training camp for beginner to intermediate fencers.

Off-campus PE: Many students receive credit for physical education from their respective independent school districts.  This allows the student to get out one hour early to attend practice or complete homework prior to coming to practice.  Each ISD has their own requirements for external PE credit, and FIT has criteria that must be met. We also have special daytime programs for home schooled students.  

Athletes with special needs are welcome at FIT.  Many asthmatics find fencing to be one of the sports in which they can not only compete, but excel.  Wheelchair fencing is one of the nation's fastest growing sports with many from the southwest section competing in the Paralympics.  FIT is an ADA compliant facility.