Be Active
Fencing
Fencing at The Ann Arbor Ymca
Enhance agility, improve coordination, and build strength and community in this full-body, low-impact program at the Ann Arbor YMCA. Our instructors have a combined 70+ years of experience in the sport, and are here to guide students in improving technique or in picking up a new skill!
Students can find instruction in all three disciplines: foil, epee, and saber.
Whether you are an advanced athlete or a beginner looking to develop a new hobby, classes are available for students of all levels!
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Foil fencing classes have been taught at the Ann Arbor YMCA since the 1970s. With the exception of our Youth Beginner Fencing program, classes are typically separated by skill level rather than age to encourage students to practice with a wide range of opponents. Fencing is held in seven-week sessions year-round at the Y, and can be supplemented with private lessons from one of our talented instructors.
Students can expect the best results by regularly practicing with other fencers outside of class time, either in Open Fencing or Private Lessons. Open Fencing is a free, weekly practice time held to support students of all levels in building and refining their technique.
WHAT YOU LEARN:
• Balance, readiness, timing
• Leverage in attack and defense
• The three elements of winning
• The power of perfect form
• Explosive movement
• The eight standard parries – and one more!
OUR PROGRAM
Beginning Fencing: An introduction to Olympic-style foil fencing for beginner-level fencers of all ages. Students will learn the basic techniques of the sport and work on reaction, timing, and point control. Beginner classes place a heavy focus on footwork, helping fencers build a strong foundation as they advance their technique. Those who attend weekly can expect to be fencing on a basic level with other students by the end of the first 7-week session.
Intermediate Fencing: Intermediate-level fencers will refine their execution of basic techniques and expand their repertoire. Students learn more blade work, how to direct a fencing bout, and simple armory skills for non-electric gear to prepare for competition.
Advanced Fencing: Aimed at preparing students for USFA or collegiate competition. Explore foil techniques and the basics of sabre and épée. Students will gain experience using electrical scoring and refereeing.
All Levels: For students of any level, including first-time fencers. Emphasis is placed on foil footwork and blade work. Lessons are tailored to the improvement of all participants, regardless of experience.
Open Fencing: We are committed to growing your skills and confidence with each class and provide FREE Sunday Practice Sessions for all program participants. Fencing is a complex sport that requires regular practice and consistency. Open Fencing attendance is highly encouraged each week for all program levels.
Note: Students progress through program levels at the recommendation of their instructors. Due to the complexity of the sport, students may repeat levels before advancing.
Private Lessons
Available in half-hour blocks for students looking to progress faster in their swordplay. Get dedicated attention from our quality instructors to refine your techniques and subtleties of the sport.
Ready to get started?
Our Instructors
David Hoornstra
David S. Hoornstra taught fencing at the Ann Arbor Y from 1981-1992 and more recently since 2018. He is also a founding member and lead instructor of the Ann Arbor Sword Club with over 60 years fencing and teaching experience in a wide variety of periods and weapons. He studied modern fencing with Maestros John Bailey and Istvan Danosi, as well as Olympians Greg Benko and Yuri Rabinovitch, and fenced in six National Championships. In the 1970s he was Assistant Varsity Coach at Lake Superior State College, later teaching at the U-M Fencing Club and the Ann Arbor Recreation Department. David is a member of the US Fencing Coaches Association and has served as a Michigan USFA officer and National Committee member.
Leonardo Prior
Leonardo Prior has been fencing for over six years, beginning at the Ann Arbor Sword Club (AASC). Training under Terri Gruber and, in recent years, primarily with David S. Hoornstra, they quickly advanced from student to assistant instructor at the AASC, and by 18 became an official fencing instructor at the Ann Arbor YMCA. Leo specializes in foil, provides private lessons and classes, and substitutes for the other YMCA fencing instructors. They dabble in saber, épée, rapier, small sword, long sword, and sword and buckler, and have competed in small sword tournaments, including a 7th-place finish at the 2024 Ann Arbor Arms Tournament. Passionate about athletic conditioning for fencing, Leo has designed warm-ups that combine plyometrics, strength, flexibility, and mobility to enhance performance and decrease injury risk. With a background in Army training, work as a Public Safety Security Officer, and a commitment to fitness and weightlifting, Leo brings both technical expertise and physical training insight to their students.
Bill Emerson
Bill Emerson has been teaching fencing at the Ann Arbor Y since 2006. He picked up the sport while still a college student and found the fencing community at the Ann Arbor Y soon after moving home from school. That community has kept him coming back to the Y “every Thursday, but Thanksgiving” ever since. Since taking over teaching duties, he has also been the lead organizer for the Duelist Open Tournament, one of the biggest and most anticipated events every year on the Michigan fencing calendar. He’s a father of two and considers the group of fencers who practice weekly at the Y part of his extended family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to start fencing?
The Ann Arbor YMCA fencing program accepts ages 7+.
How safe is fencing?
Of all sports in the 2008 Summer Olympics, fencing was among the six that resulted in the fewest injuries. Students wear standard protective gear during practice, warm-ups, and bouts.
What do I need to bring to class?
The Ann Arbor YMCA fencing program provides protective equipment including masks, foils and jackets. If participants are interested in purchasing their own equipment, please reach out to your instructor for recommendations.
Get Started
Ready to begin your fencing journey? Register through our Program Offerings page or contact us at HealthyLiving@annarborymca.org to schedule your visit.