Fencing academy recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Elite is very crowded and has mixed ages and levels in their classes. Definitely a place where you can get lost in the shuffle if you are not a vigilant parent. Also the club lacks warmth, be prepared to be in a cold environment. Coaches rarely ever say hello to parents or fencers. The attitude of coaches is all fencing business. The head coach is very good if he gives you attention. You could do well here but you have to be proactive.

[Anonymous]

Any updated reviews on NOVA fencing and Archery? We did a summer camp there and now my kid is interested in fencing. The prices though…ouch.
Is there anything closer to GMU area for kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about Nazlymov?

Great Coaches.. Vladimir Nazlymov - 3-time Olympic Champion & 10-time World Champion. Several coaches have coached country National Teams for the Olympics
They have a great Adult/Vet program in addition to the youth/teen fencing program.
If you're interested in pursuing collegiate fencing/scholarships. They have trained multiple students who have been recruited by Ivy Colleges and Division 1 (scholarships) to fence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone had experience with Nazlymov or Chevy Chase fencing clubs? We’re in DC so looking for something in or close to the district.

One of their competitive Youth fencers (Y12) became National Champion at the July 2025 Summer Nationals/Championship

[Anonymous]

Checked out Fencing Sports Academy and Nova Fencing and Archery. FSA appeared to be more structured in instructioning while Nova had a much larger spacious venue.

Does anyone have any more recent update on whether to stay away from FSA? Has there been any changes for the better or worse?

Is Nova better for newbies?

[Anonymous]

FSA has no top fencers. The top fencers that they claim to have, including Olympian Hadley Husisian, left years ago and do not return. The owner is very problematic. The top fencers that the owner claims to have are all at Elite Fencing Academy now.

[Anonymous]

Is there anything closer to GMU area for kids?

Elite is off Braddock Road on a side road just before 495 - about 4-5 miles from GMU, 20 minutes in traffic. The PP is right, it’s not the most welcoming environment - fine for little kids (they have a separate class) or kids who are already advanced, fairly clique-ish among the older kids and parents. Some very good fencers and coaches though, and where you want to be if your child wants to be competitive.

FSA is in Fairfax City - great location, super close to GMU, but it has lost a lot of students and coaches. One of the remaining coaches, Moataz, is wonderful. The problem is that so many kids have left that there aren’t many others to fence, and the owner has done a number of things that upset parents, such as yelling, seizing phones, and blocking parents from the floor even if they have young kids. Many of the kids leave and go to Elite.

[Anonymous]

This is PP, and I should say that the little kids (up to Y12 beginner) class at Elite is good. The kids have a separate class before the Silver and Gold classes and are all friendly to each other, and the coaches seem to like the younger kids. They are also learning good technique. Try one of the camps designed for beginners (not the winter competitive camp) and see if you like the environment.

The only other epee club I would recommend in this area is DC Fencers up in Silver Spring. For foil, AIC, which I think is in Sterling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FSA has no top fencers. The top fencers that they claim to have, including Olympian Hadley Husisian, left years ago and do not return. The owner is very problematic. The top fencers that the owner claims to have are all at Elite Fencing Academy now.

The polish midget?

[Anonymous]

Who is the Polish midget?

[Anonymous]

Elite is where you want to go if your child hopes to do well competitively. Fencing Sports Academy is definitely not. The crazy stuff carried out by the owner and mentioned above by a previous poster is absolutely true. She outright lies about who is fencing at her club and has many strange rules. It is the only club where parents are barred from watching their students practice, even very young children. It is a bad environment, although it definitely is in a good location. Penta in Merrifield is another option for epee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax - Fencing Sports Academy

MoCo - DC Fencers

We love DC Fencers. Really great coaches!

[Anonymous]

DC Fencers is definitely a nice, normal club with little to no drama. And strong coaches and fencers.