Youth Fencing Program
- Get In Touch: 1-503-644-7739
How our Youth Fencing Program helps your kids grow
Most parents watch their kids struggle learning and enjoying sports in general. Their skills don’t improve, they lose confidence, therefore they stop loving sports. At PDX Fencing we’ve developed a youth training program that is fun, engaging, and informative so your kids fall in love with fencing and strive reach their potential.
We know how frustrating it can be to watch your kids give up or feel lost. Often this impacts their behavior outside of the sport too. Many kids lose confidence in themselves, so they perform poorly in school, and just don’t seem to have as much fun anymore. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
A Proven Method
PDX Fencing is led by Charles Randall and William Arzola. Charles has coached fencing for over 30 years, including youth through Veteran’s national and international. and NCAA champions. As a result he knows how important it is to treat every athlete like an all-star, no matter how young they are. Over the years he has developed a powerful youth program that has helped countless numbers of young athletes reach their potential while enjoying the game more and more each time they play. His hand picked staff of well seasoned, accomplished coaches led by c0-head coach William Arzola, share his philosophy, and have also developed youth champions.
When you bring your kids to PDX Fencing . . .
They will learn our simple process to become their best. They will:
- Fall in love with a cool Olympic sport – saber fencing!
- Learn and master the fundamentals, including proper techniques and mechanics of our sport
- Surpass their goals and gain confidence, in and out of they gym
Your kids deserve to be treated like all-stars. With PDX Fencing you don’t have to be concerned about the coaching or training your kids are receiving – you can see it yourself. When you bring your kids here you are empowering them to be confident, consistent, self-motivated and to reach their potential.
Safety is our priority. We require everyone entering to: use hand sanitizer or wash hands. If you have a cold, fever or are not feeling well, please cancel your class or lesson.
BEGINNERS START HERE
Youth beginners - Sat. 11:15
Start here for new fencers ages 8 - 16. Learn the basics of defense, offense, and tactics. Your child will have a ton of fun and use a sword on the first day. Class is every Saturday from 11:15-12:15.
test the waters
Bring your child in for a trial training session to test the waters at our facility, take a summer camp, or a camp in the fall thru the city of Hillsboro Parks and Rec program..
sat 11:15 Youth class Trial
We loan you all equipment in this class level. Wear a loose comfy T-Shirt, and legs should be covered or wear long basket ball shorts (fleece and tight pants are not good). Wear athletic shoes, and for long hair wear a ponytail. Bring a water bottle. For youth ages 8-15
50% off 2 Classes
Redeem coupon (link below) for TWO TRIAL Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 pm (ages 8-16). Value $60.00, - save $30.00. Only good for new students trying out the class for the first time. Call to make a reservation in our Intro to Fencing Trial classes - as class size is limited. Must used on CONSECUTIVE Saturday beginners classes
Sportsmanship
Our talented coaches treat your kids with respect and help them gain confidence on and off the strip. Students learn to respect everyone including their opponent, the referees, their equipment, and the rules, all while having fun.
character development
With PDX core values based on integrity and strong self worth, we strive to build self confidence, critical problem solving, poise, focus and resilience.
Motor Skills
Fencing is fun, and the tactics require practice to be successful. Kids are motivated to move, while participating in active fencing games that keep them agile and increase co-ordination while have fun
physical chess
Fencing is often called physical chess. Fencers need to constantly out-think their opponent using tactics and strategy. Creative problem solving skills are honed, and the imagination comes to life.
Benefits of kids fencing
Fencing has a host of benefits and life skills that are learned. Fencing teaches focus, persistance, resilience, creative problem solving, agility, adapting under pressure, etc. Click above to read about the benefits of fencing for kids
Has your child dreamed of sword-fighting, becoming a musketeer, a jedi knight or dueling?
Beyond the Basics
Once your child has completed the Saturday beginner’s class, workbook, and demonstrates a good skill level, it’s time to move up to the next levels. Promotion is done by skill level and coach recommendation.
In the next levels of our youth fencing program your child gets
- Additional class times and more attention
- Co-ordination, agility, flexibility, personal skills, technical and tactical skills development through fun games and practice.
- Mental strength training, emotional control, strength and stamina training, nutritional guidance, one on one mentoring, local and regional tournaments
- At the highest competitive level for either youth our adults, – our high performance classes include mental skills, nutrition, fitness and skills training for national tournments (participate in tne North America Cup Series_, those who qualify go to Jr. Olympics and National Championships. For those wanting to make college teams or Team USA for international tournaments, or if you just want to stay recreational but take your fencing to it’s highest level.
Many of our fencers have been recruited to, and fence for some of the best Universities and Colleges in the USA including Stanford, John Hopkins, Northwestern, Notre Dame. Temple, UNC, Drew University, Brown University and more.
Youth Fencing Program Next Level Classes
Adv. beginners
Refine technique as more advanced tactics, rules of right of way and competition are learned. Learn and start to compete in our in-class tournaments. Those wanting to move ahead faster can take private lesson.
pre-comp & recreational
Tournament rules, preparation, nutrition and mental skill training are added to more advanced tactics and technique. Start to compete in club tournaments, then move up to the local youth and Junior circuit. Competiing is optional, those wishing to remain recreational fencers thrive here and still raise their fencing level.
competitive/hi-performance
Go to your maximum potential! For those wanting to make the Jr. Olympics. summer national championships, US National team, college teams, or challenge themselves to reach their ultimate best. Many of our students have been recruited to top universities in the country and/or made college teams. Others have stayed local while going to in-state universities while training and competing nationally or locally.
Leadership program
With PDX core values based on integrity, our leadership program invites advanced students who show an interest in leadership roles to participate in our program. Graduates include Logan Spear - 2 x Stanford University Fencing Team Captain, Misael Lopez - member of the Puerto Rico men's national saber team, and Joy Yun - 2x USA National Champion, All American and current saber team captain at Stanford University (on the fencing team.
Youth club member classes
Join the club! Club members enrolled in our youth fencing program receive additional attention, discounts on private lessons and camps, and a 5% discount on most merchandise. All classes require a USA Fencing membership (basic membership $29.00). If you do not want to join the club but want to take individual classes, you must be a USA Fencing member – each non-member class session is $35.00 US per class. Subject to coach approval.
beginners -Youth
$95
/month
Saturdays 11:15- 12:15 p.m. ages 8-16
Some equipment is loaned to you. Wear athletic shoes, t-shirt, loose comfy pants. You will need to purchase your own own glove, $15 - $22.00, jacket, and mask. Equipment available in our pro shop. Club member discount available.
If you have long hair bring a pony tail holder, bring a water bottle
Basics of defense, offense and movement are the foundation of fencing. Balance and skill execution in both offense and defense are taught in drills and footwork.
Private lessons optional, student coaches are available on Saturdays and a great way to get started on an ad hoc basis.
advanced beginners
$145
/month
YOUTH : ages 8+
Tues. & Thurs 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Add fencing knickers, to your, mask, chest protector, jacket and glove. This is also a great time to add a sword and sword holder if you dont have one yet.
Start to compete in our in-house class tournaments.
Fitness, agility and co-ordination skills training included. Vocaulary, advanced tactics, footwork and technique.
5% club member discount on most merchandise in our gear shop.
Summer and winter fencing camps are recommended to advance skill and tactical level.
Private lessons optional but highly recommended.
pre-competitive/Recreational
$195
/month
Mon. 6:30 - 7:30 pm Wed. 6: 30 - 7:30pm Fri: 5:30 - 7:15 pm
Fitness and introduction to mental strength training included.
Start participating in the club series of tournaments, then advance to the local regional youth and Jr. circuit. Some students may qualify to compete in national youth tournaments and Jr. Olympics.
Must have full practice gear & acquire tournament electric gear including sabers., spares and a fencing specific gear bag.
Summer & winter camps highly recommended.
Private lessons highly recommended., especially for those wishing to compete on the circuit.
competitive High performance
$275
/month
Mon - Thurs 4:30- 6:30 pm/Fri 4:30 - 7:15 pm
Fri open bouting
Fitness and mental skills training are incorporated.
Compete in local and regional tournament circuit. Optional-start to compete in national level tournaments including youth championships and jr. Olympics. for those wishing to fencing in college and represent their university, competing nationally is required.
Full tournament equipment required, including spares. and a travel fencing bag.
Private lessons highly recommended. Private lessons are required for those competing nationally. If going to National championships then Pre-nationals camp is required.
Competitive Hi Performance - Take it to the Max!
Fencing at this level will improve your teenager’s life! Skills learned reinforce positive habits including: time management, commitment, smart choices, academic achievement and more. Our highest level program for serious fencers wanting to make a college team, Team USA, national championships or just reach their full potential.
Fencers compete regionally and in the North America Cup Series! Those who qualify have the option to participate in Jr. Olympics, Olympics trials, summer national championships and a chance to represent the USA around the world by earning a spot on Team USA.
Our high performance program is comprehensive from fitness, nutrition, mental skills training, video replay analysis, motivation, sportsmanship, leadership, personal responsibility and more. This level is where college coaches scout national tournaments looking for experienced athletes. How far do you want to go?
Mon – Friday 4:30 – 6:30 p.m open bouting Fridays until 7:30 p.m.
Private lessons start at 3:30 pm
Fitness included
$275.00 per month.
Lockers $6.00 per month when available
Logan Spear won the men’s national champion title, then went on to Stanford University. He became 2x Stanford Fencing team captain and graduated winning the prestigious Block “S” award for Men (highest GPA of sr. letter winners) and the Terman award (highest GPA of all graduates of the College of Engineering). Logan graduated with a Masters Degree of Science program at Stanford. He is working in full time in the field he studied for, and is an active mentor in our fencing club.
