The Fencing Center

I sought out fencing as an activity for my Cadette Girl Scout troop. I am glad I found Heath and The Fencing Center. In Girl Scouts, fencing is considered a high-​adventure activity so the vendor providing the activity needs to be on the GSNorCal Approved Vendors list. Upon seeking a venue for my troop to have this experience, none were listed. I reached out to Heath and he promptly enlisted his center with GS NorCal and they were approved very quickly! We then talked about how the event could be structured, their age, our purpose, etc, and Heath created an experience that would deliver on all my requests and considerations. Talk about accommodations and teamwork!
Fast forward to the actual day of fencing…
The girls were taught the history and formalities of the sport, and then got to partake in small drills that reinforce footwork and body movement before actually handling the swords. After that they suited up and started fencing! We had two hours and it was perfect.
The equipment and facility exceeded my expectations, as did how Mike and Heath related to the girls and helped them learn the sport. The moms who stayed were as impressed and wanted to try, too.
In Girl Scouts we want to provide girls with opportunities and experiences that will build their courage, confidence, and character, or just plain inspire girls, and I believe this experience did just that, all thanks to the professionalism and expertise provided by The Fencing Center.

The fencing center is an awesome facility. My daughter loves Coach Heath! He is the absolute best fencing coach. He makes it so fun while teaching her so much. She looks forward to all her class with him! Thank you!

As of this post, my kids and I have been involved with the Fencing Center for about 10 months. The three of us have taken classes, and one child had a birthday party here as well. Our experience has been positive. The instructors are skilled, patient, kind, and safety minded. I am less than a star athlete, but my instructor, Doug, makes me feel welcome. He pushes my older child and me to improve and try new things but never pushes too much. My younger child works with Heath. The kids often play games to improve their skills and warm up. During instruction they are drilled not just in skills but also in safety and sportsmanship.
One of my children held a birthday party here as well. We had more people show up than originally expected, but Heath made it work and did not charge us extra. He even allowed my husband and me to join in. The kids were introduced to the weapons, given a brief history of fencing, given basic instructions, and finally allowed to fence. The boys and girls, ranging in age from 8 to 13, had a blast. They had huge smiles and were worn out by the end.
My children also have attended one open fencing night for épée so far. Heath helped the children feel comfortable with the new experience, and advised them on who to ask to fence. The fencers that night, mostly grown men, happily fenced my kids. Many of them gave the kids helpful hints. All were welcoming. One of these nights I will have to join them.
I can’t say enough good things about the Fencing Center.

A great place for a team event outing. We had such a good time and good fun that I can only recommend the center as resourceful experience for all.
All in one experience.

The Fencing Center and particularly Head Épée Coach Michael Botenhagen is exactly what my 13yo son needed to improve his competitive épée performance and regain his fencing confidence.
Coming from another local club, what resonates most about TFC is that Coach Mike speaks to his students respectfully while encouraging them to reach their full potential both as fencers and human beings. In doing so, he adeptly cultivates a culture of trust and camaraderie among his diverse group of students. Most importantly to me as a parent, he exhibits endless patience when he knows his students are making their best efforts to practice the technical knowledge he skillfully imparts. He doesn’t give up. His students know he has their back. That is priceless.
In addition to a competent coaching staff, the physical layout of this airy club is remarkable for its 16 strips used for many types of simultaneous practice — no waiting around for an available strip, which is luxurious in the fencing world. Plus, all three weapons (foil, épée, sabre) are coached at TFC so there is lots of fencing energy on the strips every night. Quite a vibrant place!
Another innovative piece that sets this club apart is the yoga for athletes led by inspiring instructors offered free to club members and to community members for a minimal fee. I can practice yoga with my son.
The TFC staff as a whole is encouraging, friendly and makes this club a special place.

Over one year ago I posted a picture of my son’s first tournament against a Veteran TFC member who immediately took him under his wing to mentor him on their bout.
Fast forward 15 months later:
My son is in the final gold medal round against THIS SAME TFC Veteran. Both of them competing against each other for 1^st place and the rating of E15.
My son fenced a mentor and won. And they genuinely embraced.
THIS is the kind of club TFC is.

Really like this place! My son has been taking classes here since late August… and he loves it!
Really like the people we’ve met. Heath is a great teacher. Goofy, fun, and very knowledgeable. Also I like that he has high expectations of the kiddos… not just when it comes to fencing stuff. But also things like, being prepared, being responsible, trying your best. You know… those things… that I’m constantly trying to impart on my son.
Also it’s great physical activity. He’s always sweaty and pooped when we leave. I also like that they do warmups etc. Things that might not be «the most exciting part» but are important to being a good fencer. There’s another one of those life lessons I was talking about.
We will definitely keep up with the fencing. We’re all big fans :)

Fencing is a lot of fun! Heath is great instructor. He taught us all the basics and we had a blast!

Went to an Intro class with a small group, it was really fun! Heath is a really great teacher and did a really great job explaining everything. Plus I won my match :)

I took my first class of «Introduction to Fencing» today and it was super fun! I came to know about it through Groupon and thought it was a good deal. The people at the center are very friendly as well!

I’m also one of those parents who wanted their kid to do something for the summer besides sit in front of screens… movie, TV, game, etc. Out of the blue he picked fencing. While signing him up I was offered the chance to try it too. 3 years later I’m still fencing but he only lasted 18 months. He did graduate from high school, earned his Scouting Eagle Badge and is now attending college in so he gets a pass and time to decompress, but I got hooked. I’m so glad we found the Fencing Center when we started because I doubt I would have signed up otherwise if not for the friendly staff and fun classes. TFC has the best «vibe» of all the clubs I have fenced in since I started competing. No other club offers as welcoming and nurturing an experience as TFC.
DJ

I took the four week «Intro to Fencing» class here (because hey, fencing is old-​school-​cool and you get to wear the rad masks), and it was a blast. Everyone is extremely nice and welcoming, particularly Heath, the instructor, who was great. They even had a bunch of brand new hair elastics when I forgot one.
The classes are fun and interesting. Each one consisted of a warm up (gets your heart rate up but nothing too arduous), lesson, and then bouts (the super fun part). Yes, the gear can smell a little «used,» but I wore a running hoodie to cover my hair under the masks and found it fine.
My only regret is that I didn’t do it with my husband so I could get him to go back with me for open fencing. Definitely a good couples (or friends, whatever) activity, so you have someone to practice with later. Two thumbs (and one palm — that’s a fencing joke) up!

We received a Groupon for my daughter for the introductory course and she loved it. She now attends class twice a week and open fencing whenever time allows. The instructors are passionate about the sport and through games and exercises impart not only an appreciation for fencing, but life skills like gamesmanship and self confidence.
I’d visited a couple of other fencing schools in the area but hadn’t considered the Fencing Center because of the distance from my home. I now understand why experienced fencers from as far as San Francisco come to participate in the weekly open fencing schedule. The sense of community between the instructors and experienced fencers put the new students at ease as the seasoned athletes step in to work with anyone who wants to improve.
We have had the pleasure of working with Mike Botenhagen who is an amazing Épée coach. He takes the time to know the kids and works with each member of his team, addressing both strengths and weaknesses while promoting camaraderie in a competitive environment.
Instructors Heath Winer and Man-​sum Lai will put you and your child at ease while building confidence and technique in a fun environment.
Regardless if you are a serious fencer or just looking for a unique, and challenging experience, I recommend The Fencing Center.

The Fencing Center is unique among local clubs, a non-​profit and a great place for both adult and young fencers.
My daughter’s coach (Connie) emphasizes positive coaching techniques and is a wonderful adult role model. She builds kids up and shows them that you can compete at a high level and behave in a sportsmanlike manner on and off the strip.
She was USFA Western Region Developmental coach of the year, among other awards. Similarly, Mike is also a great and very positive influence on young fencers.
Over her years there, The Fencing Center helped my child develop as a person, an athlete and a scholar through learning, self-​discipline, hard work and tenacity in a supportive environment. As a varsity fencer at college, she went to the NCAA Championships, and graduated with a masters degree. I still appreciate the preparation for life she received from the people at The Fencing Center.

Great instructor and great classes!

We went here for a team building event. What a fun idea — I would recommend this over other idea as it was unique and the instructors really took their time to help us and teach us about fencing.

We took the introduction course with Keith who did a great job at presenting the rules of the game, the three weapons, getting us to try them and have fun.
We will definitely go for the beginner class that goes deeper into things.

I love this place. Best fencing school in the bay area. Love the people and the vibe.
Today is the 2-​month anniversary since I first picked up a foil. A week later I fenced my first «electric bout» with an épée and knew I had found my sport.
There’s something very unique about fencing. It completely absorbs all of your senses. It’s art and sport and your inner monologue and the intensity in someone else’s eyes all rolled into one. It’s just beautiful.
Give it a try, and do so at TFC. It’s a wonderful place for beginners and experienced fencers alike.

After a quick Unilocal search for «team building,» I came up with fencing as one of a handful of options for a recent team event. I was surprised that my boss was as gung ho about fencing as she was, but the price was right ($ 20 a head) and they were very friendly and accommodating and the next thing I knew, I was wearing a chest protector and a jacket type thing was strapped up between my legs.
Mike and Sarah were fantastic cat herders and they got us all suited up, gave us a quick lesson and then organized a quick tournament where we got to battle each other TO THE DEATH! (Not really… just until the little light buzzed.)
I was surprised that it was as good of a team event as it was and I’m pretty sure we’ll do it again.
Hot Tips:
1. Get there early. You’ll spend more time than you think getting geared up, laughing at each other and taking pictures.
2. Pretend the gear hasn’t been worn by however many people before you and just go with it.

Have you ever wanted to take a fencing class and didn’t know where to start? Got a kid who’s reasonably coordinated but will never make the starting football team? Or maybe you’re a fencer who’s just moved to the area and is looking for a new club. (Yes, we’re talking about the «sword» kind of fencing. And yes, it’s still an Olympic sport.)
Well in any of these cases, The Fencing Center is your spot. It’s the real deal — it was the first fencing club in the south bay, is still going strong after 25 years and still manages to nurture nationally successful junior fencers every year. It’s also a no-​frills kind of experience where the athletes and students are there to fence and be friendly with one another, but you’re certainly not going to confuse this with the local golf club’s pampering.
I spent several days a week here throughout my teenage years and can still thank the fantastic Fencing Center coaches (several of whom are still here), my erstwhile teammates and the sport itself for having been one of the great influences of my youth. I know that’s a little heavy, but it’s actually true.
So if you or your kid has any interest in playing with swords (and honestly, who doesn’t?), look these guys up.
PS, fencing is also a very good workout