Denver Fencing Center

My children have been taking fencing lessons here for two years; I can’t say enough great things about this program. Fantastically tactical, athletic, and just plain cool, fencing here is treated with the right amount of seriousness and fun. The owner, Nathan, keeps everything in perspective and allows members to be as competitive as they want, and take it to whatever level suits. Maggie, the manager, has an incredible way with the kids and like Nathan, is very accessible for questions and concerns. Summer camps are great, too. Maggie, Henri, Jason and Alex are all Incredible teachers.

I’m a regular fencer at Denver Fencing Center and it is an excellent facility.
There are many good things about DFC. The first is that it’s diverse in every imaginable way. There are people of all ages, ethnicity, gender and they are well-​spread between foil, épée, and saber. You will not feel out of place – it’s not a sport just for kids or just for southern suburb countryclubbers.
Secondly, DFC has a great facility. I have fenced for several years in multiple cities and fenced in club-​hosted competitions around the country and DFC’s facility definitely holds up. Do not let the surroundings fool you, inside that seemingly factory exterior is a comfortable and inviting club. Additionally, there are plenty of permanent, grounded strips to fence on and lots of space left over for equipment, locker areas, and tables/​couches. They even recently installed a strip with video replay so you can watch that awesome hit you just made (or got hit by).
Finally, DFC is by far one of the most welcoming clubs I’ve ever attended. Everyone was helpful when I was the new guy in the middle of 2012 and that good experience has helped me pay it forward to others. People are happy to answer questions, point you to this or that part of the club, or just be up for a friendly bout, no matter the skill level. Additionally, the coaches are extremely nice and help make a great first impression to a newcomer.
If you are thinking about doing a bit of fencing, definitely head on down to Denver Fencing Club. They will get you started at a really reasonable rate and there is a great group of regulars in every weapon for after you graduate the beginner classes or if you already know how to fence. It feels professional and is a very nice facility, but it is also a warm and inviting space for anyone. Don’t delay, check them out and start fencing!

I have always, always wanted to learn fencing, and then one day, I realized all I had to do was sign up and do it.
My wife and I have just finished Denver Fencing Center’s six-​week introduction to fencing course, and we are both quite happy with it (for me, that’s an understatement — I’m thrilled). Our instructor was a fun, down-​to-​earth, and highly qualified man named John Kissingford (who used to captain the Princeton fencing team… jeez!). Classes were comfortable, challenging, and always a blast, and the people here are wonderful. That’s been something I’ve really enjoyed — you don’t get a sense of attitude, entitlement, or sports-​jock intimidation from anyone here, whether it’s the instructors or the other students. Even though their staff includes (as their website notes) two Olympians, 3 NCAA Team Captains (University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and UCLA), and 3 National Finalists, there’s no stiffness or harshness to their instruction. Henri, one of the Olympians, filled in for our instructor one week, and he was as careful and skilled in his instruction for us beginners as I’ve seen him be in his more advanced private lessons with students. These people just enjoy fencing, and they’re happy you do too.
As for the other students, they’re helpful and considerate, too. They’ve set up a beginner’s night so we newbies can get some more evenly matched bouts in. It’s a lot of fun, and sometimes we grab a few of the more experienced people so we can learn from getting our butts kicked.
The facility doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s well kept and ideal for its purposes. It’s got five or six electric strips for bouts and, while the place isn’t huge, it seems to have plenty of room for the number of people there at any given time.
As for fencing itself, I highly recommend it. As I mentioned above, my wife and I have been having a blast with it. The first couple weeks are spent getting used to the footwork and the movements, which feel a little awkward at first but become natural with practice. Once you get past that, you’re focusing on thrusts, parries, and more advanced movements — and you get to fence each other, which is a thrill. Also, fencing is a hell of a workout on the legs. It might look like it’s just a short couple of minutes that shouldn’t be too bad, but you’re essentially lunging back and forth the whole time, and you definitely feel it, especially after a few bouts. It was a challenge to come to this from a fairly sedentary lifestyle, but it was a good challenge, the kind that makes you feel great afterward.
My wife and I have enjoyed our whole experience so much that we’re signing up for their intermediate foil class next week, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m hooked.
By the way, the classes are a great value here. Just thought I’d add that in. Considering what martial arts and other comparable activities cost, I was pretty happy with what we paid. Bonus!

Both my kids and my wife have taken fencing classes here. Nathan is great with young and old. The cost is very reasonable. Fun energetic atmosphere. Great character building for the little ones too. Agree with the other review, not sure why that wasn’t 5 stars too though.

I took fencing lessons here a while back, and am looking into taking up some more. Not only is it a great workout, it’s a great sport to learn about also. Nathan was my instructor and did an excellent job. Mostly holds classes and summer camps for children, but also has adult classes as well. It’s well worth the price and a great experience. Check them out!