Update November 11, 2025: Registration is open for winter beginner classes, starting the week of January 5. Please email or call for information. Fall classes end Dec. 4 with no classes Nov 24-27. Visitors are welcome at the final few fall classes.
If you are going to reserve rental equipment and/or a space in a beginner (Level 1) class:
-Class is open to age 9 through adult.
-Beginner classes are progressive (building on skills learned the previous week) so regular attendance is important. That said, you know the drill by now: stay home if you are sick, or if you suspect you were exposed to covid, and test before returning.
There are NO REFUNDS once a class session is under way, and no trial classes. If you are brand new to fencing, we recommend coming to observe a class, meet the instructor and club members, and make sure it is really something that you want to participate in.
While incurable romantics and closet swashbucklers are very welcome in the VFA, you should be aware that modern sport fencing is quite different from the theatrical swordplay of the movies. Sometimes new students are surprised by how physically demanding the sport is, find that they really do not enjoy their own body being their opponent's target, find that the noisy fast-paced nature of our group classes does not suit their learning style, or find that the scheduled class times do not work for them. We would rather have you make an informed decision than to waste your money on something that is not really your thing.
Will there be room for me in the class?
That is hard to predict. Class sizes are limited due to safety concerns, and I have a limited stock of rental equipment in a range of sizes. Please note that the past few rounds of beginner classes have filled up rapidly in Charlotte, so I advise signing up as early as possible. Middlebury classes almost always have more room, but early sign up guarantees I won't run out of equipment in your size.
-Registration for winter classes is open through December 29 or until the class is full. I will reserve equipment on a first-come first served basis by size. The sooner you register, the better your chances of my having equipment to fit you. If you are already on our email list, please get in touch to receive complete info and registration form
-If a class fills up, I will start a waiting list, in case anyone withdraws before the first class.
-Once the class is underway, I can not admit new students from a waiting list - the next opportunity will be in April. So please, be considerate and notify me as soon as possible if you signed up but decide not to participate. Someone may be waiting for your spot in the class.
Intrigued? Ready to try an awesome, fun sport that is also an excellent work out? There are two ways to register for classes:
Option 1:
-Email me to request a registration form:
-Print and fill in page 3 of the form
-Scan and email the completed form to Viveka.
Option 2:
-Email me the following information for each student: name, age, class location (Middlebury or Charlotte), height, weight, dominant hand, gender. That way I can go ahead and reserve equipment for you right away without the actual form.
-Bring the completed form (needed for waiver signatures) to your first class.
Remember:
-Honor system: I am not collecting fees in advance, but I expect you to let me know right away if you decide not to join the class, as I may have a waiting list
-If you are certain you want to take fencing, the sooner you sign up, the better your chances of there being space and equipment for you.
-All fees due at first class, NO refunds once classes start
To register for VFA classes or for more information about fencing in Middlebury and Charlotte, contact Viveka Fox at vfox@gmavt.net or 802-759-2268.