Come fencE with us!

Why Fencing Instruction ?

The sport of fencing has been around for many centuries, and today it is played in high schools, most colleges, and in the Olympics. Just as many young athletes obtain scholarships for tennis, soccer, basketball, and other sports, many young athletes are also awarded college scholarships for fencing. From a physical perspective, fencing teaches children agility, strength, coordination, timing, and balance. However, fencing also enhances a child's ability to strategize and promotes self-esteem and teamwork. MAFC fencing instruction is taught on novice, intermediate, and advanced levels through a series of fun fencing drills, exercises, and games specifically designed for children ages 8-18. The main focus of classes will be for children to learn and hone their fencing footwork, pointwork, fencing techniques, and bouting. In addition to learning the sport of fencing, children will also be taught life skills such as setting and achieving goals, teamwork, confidence, and discipline. Ultimately, our goal is for students to have fun, grow as individuals, and learn more about themselves through fencing.

Classes and Fees

Fencing classes for the Winter 2025 session for all fencers (aged 8–18) will begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025, and end on March 13, 2025. Classes for Beginner Fencers (8-11) will run on Saturdays only from 9:15-10:00 AM. Classes for all fencers (12-18) will run on Saturdays from 10:15-11:30 AM and on designated Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45-7:45 PM per schedule. The practice schedule for fencers 12–18 will be provided to each fencer by email after registering and attending the first class. Note: There will be no classes 1/14, 2/15-2/21, and 2/27.

Fees: The fee for beginner fencers (8-11) for the Winter 2025 session is $165 and the fee for fencers (12-18) is $195. Please make all checks payable to: Mt. Airy Fencers Club, Inc. To register, please email michaelcathyb@verizon.net to see if space is available; once confirmed, please bring a completed registration (see Registration Form) attached along with payment to the first class on January 11th. (20% friends and family discounts are available)

Please Note: Parents, you must also obtain an individual membership for your child with USAFencing.org. If your child wants to take fencing lessons and/or compete in local tournaments (PHL Division only), individual membership is $29. If your child is interested in competing in regional and national tournaments (e.g., Junior Olympics, Summer Nationals), individual membership is $99.

What to Wear and Bring?

Fencers should wear a t-shirt, light sweatpants, stretch pants, or fencing knickers and sneakers. Please Note: Due to COVID-19, all fencers will now be required to have their own fencing gear. This would include fencing jackets, masks, gloves, lames, plastron, and knickers (if competing). Also note: All fencers must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Fencers should bring a water bottle filled with their favorite sports drink. If the fencer has an inhaler or any other device to be used in an emergency, please bring it with you and inform the instructor prior to class.

Registration Form

Head Fencing Coach

Catherine Humphrey-Bennett

Catherine Humphrey-Bennett began fencing at the age of fifteen while attending Montclair Kimberly Academy (MKA) preparatory school in Montclair, New Jersey. Soon thereafter, Catherine's hard work and diligence allowed her to achieve success, and as a senior, she was not only a Junior Olympic Qualifier but was a 1st Team All-State Fencer for New Jersey. Catherine received fencing scholarship offers from Fairleigh Dickinson, Brandeis, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, Penn State, Ohio State, and Temple University. Catherine attended Temple, which awarded her a full, 4-year fencing scholarship and the opportunity to train under Olympian Coach Nikki Franke. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Temple in 1988, Catherine assisted Temple's Women's Fencing Team to place 3rd, 4th, 2nd, and 4th at the NCAA's for Division 1 Fencing from 1984-88, respectively. Further, Catherine was the National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association Individual Champion in 1987, served as Captain of the Temple Women's Fencing Team in 1988, and was ranked one of the top 15 fencers in the country upon graduation. In 2006, in an effort to promote the sport she loves and give back to the community, Catherine began teaching and coaching children ages 7–18 in fencing. MAFC was started as a result of Catherine's dedication and commitment to promoting youth fencing in Pennsylvania. Catherine is also a member of the United States Fencing Coaches Association.