THE CUTTING EDGE -- Fencing classes, staged combat, swordplay lessons, footwork, and workshops in sabre and foil in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA

Private lessons help to shape and to develop a fencer's skills in a dramatic way. Imperfections in form, execution and technique that cannot be attended to during group classes can be addressed. A student also works on building his or her own "style" of fencing with the coach.

Private lessons are available only by appointment, and generally occur before or after a scheduled class. However, they may also be designed by an on-going, weekly basis, completely separate from class times (and separate from normal class locations if need be). This is up to you and the coach to decide.

I prefer that the athlete and family schedule at least 4 lessons in the month to gain the maximum benefits of the learning. Generally, private lessons are $20 for approximately every half hour of work. The more consistent the lessons, the better the learning--and the more solidified the student's fencing--will be. Private lessons are nearly essential for students (should they wish to excel quickly and precisely) who participate in programs which meet only one day of each week.

Coach Matthew works with a sabre student

You need not enroll in a group class to learn how to fence. Often, it is better to begin with private lessons, and then work toward fencing others, perfecting drills with others, understanding things as a whole, etc.

Keep in mind: fencing is NOT like the movies. You do not become "Zorro" overnight, and you do not avoid every single attack with a "magical" parry! In fencing, you will learn to receive touches (or hits), and also to deliver them. Not even the greatest competitive fencers have "never been hit". Like all things, hard work, passion, and dedication produce actual results. There is no pill, no overnight workshop, no special energy drink! There is simply no short cut--as with all things.

So... Be prepared to work hard... ... ... AND to have FUN!! :)

As this website is very new, I am offering a special deal for anyone who chooses to take a private fencing lesson with me: purchase one private lesson through The Cutting Edge website / e-mail, and you get one private lesson FREE! These private lessons are approximately 30 minutes each, and this a one-time only offer for anyone who signs up--but only via this website or e-mail!