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Houston Sword Sports is a fencing club with the mission of introducing Houston to the lifetime sport of fencing through community outreach, after-school programs, and on-site classes. Our vision is to build a healthy community that exercises and plays together in a sport that improves fitness, self-discipline, focus, and decision-making.
Classes and camps. FREE beginner class.

Q: How old should I be when I start fencing?

A: Fencing is a great sport for any age. At HSS, we currently offer classes to ages six and above, but fencing is also a great sport for adults of all ages. Houston boasts a great veteran (ages 40+) fencing community, with frequent tournaments and events aimed at those with a little gray hair – or no hair – under their masks. Fencing is a lifelong sport, and you can be successful in it no matter how old you are when you start.

Q: How physically fit do I need to be to fence?

A: Come as you are! Fencing is highly adaptable to the fitness level of the competitors. Fencing can be hard on the knees and on the elbow and wrist of your dominant arm, but we are happy to work with you to find adaptations that will make you more comfortable.

Fencing is a martial art, but it relies on finesse rather than strength. This means that we do not separate competitions by weight class, and that at the local level, boys and girls (or men and women) can compete on an equal footing. It also means that many people who have tried and disliked other sports find fencing to be a much better fit for their physical abilities and personality.