Why You Should Try Fencing Class as an Adult (Yes, You!)
Coach Annamaria’s friend, Kate Sierra (left), competing for Team USA at the 2025 Veteran World Fencing Championships. Kate started fencing in her 30s and now is representing the the United States internationally at a championship event! Kate fences out of Richmond County Fencing Center.
Photo originally posted by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
If you’re an adult looking for a hobby that’s more exciting than the treadmill and less dangerous than, say, medieval jousting, allow us to introduce you to Olympic fencing. Fast, strategic, and wildly satisfying: it’s the most fun you can have while wearing a mask.
Here’s five reasons why adults are picking up a saber (a safe, flexible, sport-approved sword, but still a sword!) and giving fencing a try.
1. It’s a Workout Disguised as a Game
In fencing, you’re too busy outsmarting your opponent to realize you’re getting a serious full-body workout.
Strong legs? Check. Faster reactions? Absolutely. Core strength? You’ll feel it the next day after your first class.
It’s sneaky fitness at its finest! Many of our adult fencers come to have fun and end up improving their physical fitness along the way. Some have even been inspired to get gym memberships to workout beyond the fencing strip.
2. It’s a Chance to Use Your Brain
Every bout is part strategy, part psychology, and part pattern recognition.
You’re constantly adapting and plotting your next move. Fencing will light up all those happy brain circuits every time you get your opponent to fall for a trap you set, or score a touch in an inventive way.
3. Adult Beginners Fit Right In
We hear it all the time: “I wish I’d started fencing as a kid” or “Am I too old to fence?”
Good news: adult beginners are completely normal in fencing.
Great news: they thrive and can even represent their country on the world stage.
Most clubs offer adult beginner fencing classes, and many competitions even have age divisions specifically for adults, such as 21+, 40s, 50s. 60s, 70s, and beyond. As this article is being written, the 2025 Veteran World Fencing Championships are taking place in Bahrain, and Team USA is topping the medal charts.
You’re never too old to start. You’re never too late to dream big. We promise.
4. Fencing Fun Is the Ultimate Stress Relief
There’s something magical about stepping onto a strip and focusing on nothing but the next touch.
Work stress? Gone. Inbox? Forgotten. That meeting that should have been an email? Doesn’t exist anymore.
For an hour or two, it’s just you and the opponent in front of you. It can be difficult to take time for yourself as an adult: Fencing is a chance to prioritize yourself and your well-being.
5. The Community Is Awesome
Fencers come from all walks of life. At Fence St. Louis Fencing Club, we have artists, computer programmers, engineers, doctors, parents, students, and more competing on the strip. The mix makes practices both lively and entertaining.
It’s an individual sport with a team environment: there’s a lot of encouragement and camaraderie, complete with inside jokes. We also host adult only tournaments and open fencing sessions. Most of our coaches started fencing saber as adults, too, so we know exactly what it’s like!
That Sounds Great - Sign Me Up!
If you want to try out an adult fencing class in St. Louis, Fence St. Louis Fencing Club has you covered. We start our all of our beginners with an Introductory Fencing Lesson, which is a one-on-one private lesson with a coach. This means you get individualized coaching from the start, and you won’t be the only adult surrounded by teens in a beginner group class. All equipment is provided for free!
