VAF News and Events
Congratulations
Congratulations to Sasha Ryjik, Gold Medalist in Cadet Mens Sabre at the Pan American Championships, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, May 2, 2010
Nationals Results
The United States Fencing Association National Championships were held in July 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 20 VAF students participated. Congratulations to the following VAF medalists:
Simone Unwalla 3rd Womens Foil, Age 12 and Under
Anastasiya Muravyeva 8th Womens Foil, Age 14 and Under
Anyone can become a competitive fencer
There are a number of competitions held on local, national and international levels. Local competitions are divided into two categories: 12 years old and under, and 13 years old and over (open competition). To participate in these events you need to be a member of the United States Fencing Association (USFA) and must have safety and electric equipment.
A national level competition is the next step. There are a number of North American Cup (NAC). The granddad of all is U.S. National Championships. Competition categories are divided by gender, age [10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, Cadet (16 and under), Junior (19 and under), Senior (13 and older), Veterans 40-49, Veterans 50-59, and Veterans 60-69, and skill level (Division I, Division II, and Division III). Some of the events require one to qualify to compete. Talk to your coach or visit the USFA website: usfencing.org.
The best time to think about taking the step to becoming a competitive fencer is now. The competitive season lasts from September July with the Summer Nationals Championships as the final competition. Interested students should enroll in electric and competitive classes and can attend the Competitive Fencing Clinic/Meeting.
College Fencing
Over the years a number of VAF students were accepted into some of the best colleges in the U.S. because of their fencing experience. They are now student athletes in some of the following universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, UNC, Notre Dame, Duke, Ohio State, Penn State and Cleveland State. These are just some of the Division I and Ivy League schools where students with competitive fencing experience can get accepted or receive athletic scholarships. If you are interested in becoming a competitive fencer, talk to your coach and attend the College Fencing Clinic.
Supervised Free Fencing Sessions
This is a great opportunity for members to practice fencing and to meet fellow fencing enthusiasts. Members are not required to attend the entire session. An assigned coach helps students get acquainted and gives tips on fencing techniques. The coach also helps direct bouts and assists students with questions about equipment.
Olympic Sport
Tuesdays 6-7pm
Wednesdays 5-6pm
Saturdays 2-3pm
Historical
Tuesdays 6-7pm
Sundays 12-1pm
Now Hiring
VAF seeks administrative/office employee for day and evening positions. Submit resume via email to fence@VAFinc.com. Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary and familiarity with fencing and Microsoft Access is a plus.
Birthday Parties
You can schedule your next birthday party at VAF a unique, exciting, memorable and safe way to celebrate that special day. Your friends will love it!! The party includes either historical or an Olympic sport sword presentation, exciting footwork and handwork games, sword handling techniques, fencing with practice swords and a special gift for the birthday child. Members receive a $50 discount. Please call the office to find out more information.
Gift Certificates
If you would like to introduce someone to fencing, we have gift certificates available for group classes, private lessons, equipment, and decorative items from the store.
Demonstration Request and Referrals
Over the years VAF has introduced fencing to thousands of students outside of our main facility. Public and private schools, community centers, home school groups, etc. have benefited from our expertise. Please let us know if you would like to schedule a fencing class or demonstration at a school, business, or here at VAF.
National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C.
The Virginia Academy of Fencing is proud to support the National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C. (NFFDC), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to developing the personal character, academic achievement, and athletic excellence of our youth through the sport of fencing.
The NFFDC is seeking support from companies and organizations such as cultural centers, embassies, schools, community centers, government agencies, and private institutions. Anyone with contacts in these areas or who would like more information about supporting the organization and ways to help or volunteer should contact NFFDC at (202) 684-7025 or send an e-mail at or visit www.NFFDC.org.
VAF INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
VAF generally follows Fairfax County Public Schools’ policy for weather related closings. Occasionally, due to the evening and weekend operation hours, weather conditions do not warrant an automatic closing. Please call (703) 321-4922 after 8:00 am for a confirmation message.