Fencing has gained popularity since the Beijing Olympics when the U.S. team brought home six medals. Even President Obama tried his hand at fencing at the White House while promoting Chicago as a potential host city for the 2016 Olympics. Westside Extension is pleased to offer fencing through the Avant Garde Fencers Club in West Los Angeles. A western martial art for the mind and body, fencing helps develop agility, balance, hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking. Learn the fundamentals of the sport, including body position, use of the saber, footwork, attack, defense and rules of the fencing strip in this four-week course. By the end of the class, you will be able to challenge one another in fencing bouts.

AGFC recently moved into a brand new fencing facility, featuring a high tech sports floor with performance and safety in mind, Italian electric scoring machines (which help fencers determine the validity of their touches) and a comfortable environment for both students and their companies. At AGFC, you will get the opportunity to work with outstanding coaches – coach Grigore is a two-time Olympian and coach Costin has worked over two decades with the Romanian national team, as well as the U.S. national team. His most representative student, Jason Rogers, won a silver medal for the U.S. at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Protective gear and saber will be provided during class. Students should wear a t-shirt, sweat pants and non-marking athletic shoes. En garde!