Want to learn to fence in Greenville, SC?
Check out Foothills Fencing Academy!
Here in the Greenville area, the Foothills Fencing Academy (FFA) is an awesome facility that teaches fencing to both kids and adults, even producing NCAA athletes and high-level fencers who go on to compete in worldwide tournaments.
Why Fencing?
Fencing is a great way to develop coordination, agility, discipline, strength, balance and focus. Fencers must problem-solve quickly, assess situations, and learn how to think strategically – all crucial life-skills outside of the sport of fencing.
Fencing is also a wonderful activity to stay fit and healthy, work muscles from your feet and ankles all the way up through your shoulders and neck. It’s a sport of both mind and body.
⚔️ Quick Facts: Foothills Fencing Academy
- Location: 1004 Piedmont Hwy, Piedmont, SC 29673 (15 min from downtown Greenville)
- Ages: 7+ for youth classes; all ages welcome (members range from 6 to 76!)
- Fall 2026 Fencing 101 Starts: Monday, September 7, 2026 — Ages 7–12: 6:00–7:00 pm; Ages 13+: 7:00–8:00 pm
- Beginner Homeschool Starts: Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Price: $125 per 4-week session (all equipment + USA Fencing trial membership included)
- Programs: Fencing 101 & 102, Homeschool, Private Lessons, Youth & Senior Competitive
- Phone: 864.593.3684
- Website: foothillsfencing.com
Foothills Fencing Academy
The Foothills Fencing Academy is located in Piedmont, SC, only a 15-minute drive from downtown Greenville, and consists of a 4,000 square foot, air-conditioned facility with six tournament strips (they are like small runways but people-sized) which are on a raised wooden floor in order to provide better protection for joints than a concrete or tile floor.
The FFA offers open fencing time as well as classes and summer camps. The FFA is the finest fencing facility in the entire area, and all their coaches are professional members of the USA Fencing, certified by the USFCA and have undergone background checks.
Fall Classes
Whether you’re 8 or 38, Foothills Fencing Academy can introduce you to the fascinating sport of “Physical Chess” with their beginner classes for kids and their parents too! Beginner classes cover the basics – including the rules of fencing, footwork, blade work, and tactics. Fencers will develop coordination, discipline, speed, endurance and balance. By participating in three sessions of classes, students will learn the basic fundamentals of all three weapons. Oh yeah, its a fun sport in an air conditioned facility!
In addition to adult, family, and youth classes, private lessons are available as well. Plus they host homeschool groups, after-school groups, or church groups.
They provide all the safety equipment for an introductory period but fencers must purchase their own gear after two months of training.
Beginner Classes (Fencing 101)
Beginner classes, also known as Fencing 101, run in 4-week sessions. The Fall 2026 session begins Monday, September 7, 2026 — and new classes kick off again throughout the fall if you miss the first session! Ages 7–12 meet Mondays from 6:00–7:00 pm; ages 13+ meet from 7:00–8:00 pm. All equipment needed is furnished for the first two months; all you need is the right clothing! Cost is $125 per session.
For more details visit their website or call 864.593.3684.
Beginner Homeschool Classes
Foothills Fencing Academy has a thriving homeschool program! The Beginner Homeschool class covers all the fundamentals of Fencing 101 and 102 — footwork, bladework, rules, and sportsmanship — at a time suited specifically for homeschool families. The Fall 2026 Beginner Homeschool class begins Thursday, September 3, 2026. Students who complete the beginner homeschool course can continue in the Homeschool Development program to keep sharpening their skills.
Editor’s note: My son, Matthew, started in the beginner homeschool class last year and has since moved on to the homeschool development class — and recently added private lessons. The coaches are so very good at making sure everyone is engaged, learning, growing their skills, AND having fun. Highly recommend for homeschool families!
Adult Beginner Classes
Fencing is a sport for all ages! The USA Fencing Association sanctions tournaments for adults, beginning with competitors as young as 13 years of age, as well as exclusive tournaments for specific age brackets ranging up to 70 years and over! This is also a great class to share some time for parent and teen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids start fencing at Foothills?
Foothills Fencing Academy welcomes fencers starting at age 6–7. The Fencing 101 beginner class is split into two groups: ages 7–12 and ages 13+. The Youth Development program serves ages 6–9. Adults of all ages are welcome — FFA members range from age 6 to 76!
How much do beginner fencing classes cost?
The 4-week Fencing 101 course is $125, which includes use of all necessary safety equipment and a 3-month USA Fencing trial membership.
Do I need to buy fencing equipment?
No — all safety equipment is provided for the first two months of training. Each fencer’s assigned gear is not shared with another student. Once students enter the development program they can pay a fee for gear rental or purchase their own. If older students choose to compete, they will need to purchase their own gear.
Does Foothills offer homeschool fencing classes?
Yes! The Beginner Homeschool class covers all Fencing 101 & 102 fundamentals at a schedule that works for homeschool families. The Fall 2026 session begins Thursday, September 3, 2026. Students who complete the course can continue in the Homeschool Development program.
Register today
Foothills Fencing Academy
1004 Piedmont Hwy
Piedmont, SC 29673
864.593.3684
foothillsfencingacademy@gmail.com
Foothills Fencing Website
Has your family ever tried Fencing?
Looking for more activities? Check out our Classes & Activities Guide in Greenville, SC!
Daughter has been wanting to try fencing
I think my son would love learning to fence!
I love KAG and all it offers our community. I’ve always dreamed of Fencing but I think my son would love it the most!
My daughter would love to get to do a month of fencing- how fun!
Both of my kids would love to learn fencing!
I don’t know that my kids have a favorite style of dance. They just love to do it!
I think my 10-year-old would really love this sport. Ironically after reading this post, I talked to a woman today who’s daughter’s were fencers and learned so much from this sport. Would love to try it.
My son’s favorite type of dance is
hip hop.
This was so fun in college, but a foot problem made it hard for me to keep the stance. Would love a chance for the grandchild to try this. He is enjoying a special needs dance class now.
Wow! I had no idea they had fencing classes! What fun this would be to do as a family!
My daughter doesn’t have a favorite style of dance. But she would love to fence. Fingers crossed!
This would be an awesome extracurricular activity for my almost 6 year old daughter! She is online public school and we are always looking for fun activities to participate in.
My daughter’s favorite type of dance is ballet.
Thank you.
My daughter really enjoyed her tap lessons when she was 5. We’ve moved onto karate and fencing may be our thing to try.
I am excited to learn about this , will take my son with me!
My daughter would absolutely love this!
Great info! Makes me want to try something I’ve never thought to do before!
I have two boys that would absolutely love this!
We have never tried fencing, but I think my eight year old would really enjoy it.
This would be awesome
This would be great for homeschool PE!
This would be great for homeschool PE credit!
My son would love to take lessons!
I took fencing in college and loved it even though I could not hold the stance due to foot /balance problems.
No we have never tried it. I know my son would love it if he was able to try it.
My grandson would love it
My 6 year older of son would LOVE this!
I knew someone that fenced in college and thought it was pretty cool, but no, I have never tried it. It is impressive Greenville even has a fencing school.
This would be a great opportunity for my son!
Hopecom@online.att-mail.com to win!