CLASS INFO
Dr. Mondschein teaches historical fencing classes at Worcester Fencing Club and Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy in Easthampton. These classes are available to beginners as well as experienced fencers! No special equipment is necessary; we have all the loaner gear you will need. Each class begins with a warmup, proceeds with drills and exercises, and ends with optional open fencing (for those who have attained sufficient proficiency).
All new students begin with bâton, which, though requiring less safety equipment, teaches movement, relaxation, coordination, tactics, and mechanics, all of which transfer directly to longsword and sabre. (Introductory classes with rapier and/or foil are also possible on Monday and Tuesday evenings.)
Because this activity carries some inherent risks, we ask that students be over 16 years old. Students 12 and older are welcome in Worcester, but only if they bring an adult partner authorized by their parent(s) or guardian with whom to practice. Because PVFA in Easthampton is a separate business, we ask that new students be at least 18 years old.
Please note that class is somewhat strenuous, and we recommend you check with your physician before beginning any exercise program. Please inform the instructor of any preexisting medical conditions.
Please read and fill out this electronic waiver before your first class. You can not participate until you have filled it out and agreed to its terms and conditions.
IMPORTANT: Classes are held in two locations. Please note that separate pricing and tuition apply to each location. We are an independent business in Worcester, but part of PVFA, and you will need to fill out a separate waiver at PVFA.
What to bring for your first class:
Remember to fill out this electronic waiver
Athletic clothing (no shorts, please!)
An athletic cup (for those of applicable anatomy—this is for safety and not optional)
Water bottle
Sneakers (flat soled low-tops are better)
Worcester, MA
Worcester Fencing Club
243 Stafford Street
Worcester, MA 01603
Tuesdays (classical weapons, canne/bâton, rapier and sabre): 6:45–8:15pm
Sundays (bâton for beginners; longsword for everyone else) :
Women's/LGBTQ group 10 am; General class 11 am–12:30 is followed by open practice and fencing until 1 or we get tired.
Easthampton, MA
Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy
94 Cottage Street
Easthampton, MA 01027
Mondays (all weapons) 6:00-8:00pm (warmup starts at 6:30)