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Our Staff Boston Fencing Club Director of Operations davidsach@bostonfencingclub.org David Sach David Sach started his fencing career in the UK where he won numerous cadet, junior and senior national titles including a run of 5 back to back Junior national championships. He also fenced at 8 World Championships between 1995 and 1998 Junior, Cadet and Senior. David also represented Wales at 3 Commonwealth Games winning 2 individual Silver medals and a team Gold. David moved into coaching at a relatively young age but since then has coached numerous national champions at all age groups, international world cup medallists at both Junior and Senior level, a Cadet World Champion and Olympians. Before moving to the USA, he served as a British Fencing World Class Performance Pathway sabre coach - a position in which he coached and monitored members of the British Olympic Sabre Team. David is also an FIE rated referee, earning appointments at the 2005, 2007 Senior World Championships and 2008 Olympic Games. head coaches Head Epee Coach Yasser Mahmoud yassermahmoud@bostonfencingclub.org ​Yasser Mahmoud has been involved in fencing for more than 25 years, focusing in epee. Yasser comes from a long line of fencing, with his family including Olympic athletes and National coaches. Yasser has competed at both the national and international level. In 2016 he graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts (Sculpture), after achieving All-American status for his 2014 NCAA Championship result. He is also a nationally ranked referee. Before Penn State, Yasser coached in 2010 at the Commonwealth School and 2011 saw him as the Boston University Academy coach. After graduation, Yasser served as a camp counselor for Brown University's fencing camp and as a coach at Beaver Country Day School. Today, Yasser is the epee coach for the BB&N Knights middle and high school teams. Yasser's students include the 2022 MA state epee champions and nationally competitive athletes. Yasser's students have gone on to fence and study at top universities, including Vassar College and Washington University in St. Louis, where his student founded the Wash U Fencing Club. Yasser is the head epee coach at Boston Fencing Club and runs the youth competitive and competitive epee programs, and he is also an assistant coach for Tufts University NCAA women's team. Head Foil Coach Davis Merritt davismerritt@bostonfencingclub.org Davis Merritt has been affiliated with the Boston Fencing Club since he began fencing at the age of five. As a foil fencer, Davis captured the Under-13 national title, was twice the Under-15 national champion, won the Under-17 national championship, and was crowned the Under-19 North Atlantic champion. He claimed the New England Division championship on two occasions and clinched the Bay State Games title. As an undergraduate at St. John's University, Davis received NCAA All-America honors. Davis competed on the 1995 Pan-Am and 1997 national teams. In addition, he helped the Under-20 and Division 1A men's foil teams capture national championships. Davis's students have medaled at regional and national competitions in junior, senior, and veteran events. He has coached multiple students who have gone on to fence on NCAA college teams including the U.S. Airforce Academy, Drew University and Tufts University. Davis is currently the foil coach for the Tufts University NCAA varsity women's team. Head Sabre Coach Matt Zich matthewzich@bostonfencingclub.org Matthew (Matt) Zich has been involved in sabre fencing for over 25 years, 11 years as an internationally-ranked competitor and for the last 15 years as a coach, with a proven record of developing elite fencers. Classically trained by Maestro Yury Gelman (five-time Olympic Fencing Coach and National Men's Sabre Coach) in New York City, Matthew was a member of the US National Fencing Team, 2003-2007, representing the United States at World Championships held in Korea, Italy, France and Austria. Matthew was ranked #1 USA and top 5 internationally as a Cadet; #1 USA and top 5 internationally as a Junior; and top 5 USA as a Senior. Working with beginners through advanced fencers, Matthew's students have medaled at Youth Tournaments through Junior Olympics, Senior National Championships, and Cadet World Cups. At the request of USFA, he has worked with national team members for international competitions, including as the coach of the US Cadet National Team for the World Cup Events in Poland and Germany. Matthew is the coach of the 2022 and 2023 Junior Men's Sabre national champions, multiple NCAA All-American from Brandeis University, where he is currently the sabre coach, and a member of the 2023 cadet world team in women's sabre. Matthew has coached numerous students who have gone on to fence in leading college programs, including Oxford University, Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, Duke, Brandeis, St. John's, Northwestern, and Boston College. Assistant coaches Maggie Shealy Sabre Maggie began fencing 15 years ago with legendary coach Ron Miller, then trained with Jacek Huchwajda before being recruited to Brandeis University where she currently coaches under BFC and Brandeis sabre coach Matt Zich. She is an NCAA and USA National Championship bronze medalist and has represented the USA internationally for the past year. Maggie is excited to work with young sabre fencers in BFC's youth competitive program. Garrett Tordo 3-weapons coach and desk staff Garrett has been in the world of Boston Fencing for 16 years, and has spent time as a Saberist, an Epeeist, a Referee, and Coach. A competitor since he was just 8 years old, Garrett was best known for strong national Saber placements during his time in high school, as well as being the tallest nationally-active Saberist in the USA. On his way to graduating with a Marketing degree from Brandeis University, Garrett ended up switching to Epee in order to try something new and support the Brandeis team. Now with a renewed passion for Fencing post-graduation, he brings that rare multi-weapon proficiency to help the next generation of fencers find their passion. Staff Nina Sayles Director, Community Outreach and Development Nina began fencing over 15 years ago at NAFA North in Port Chester, NY, under now head BFC sabre coach Matt Zich. Nina has been working at BFC since 2019 and began her full-time role as Director of Outreach and Development in 2024. She has a bachelor's degree from Brandeis Univer sity where she was captain of the the NCAA varsity fencing team in her senior year and attended Harvard University for graduate school. Nina has represented BFC nationally since 2017 and her results include individual NAC medals in Divisions III, II, and IA, top-8 2022 FIE Antalya Sabre Satellite World Cup, and multiple senior team NAC medals with BFC teammates. outreach@bostonfencingclub.org

PROGRAM summary Find the right fit for you or your child *Weapon taught in Learn to Fence classes subject to change

Birthdays Celebrate with BFC! Birthday Parties Celebrate with Swords at Boston Fencing Club! We offer a range of opportunities for birthday parties for adults and kids of all ages. Parties are tailored to each individual, giving you the chance to theme and personalize your special day. *Please note that we do not recommend metal equipment for children under 8 years old, we use plastic Basic Party Package 2 Hours - $300 for 12 children This includes: ​ ​ Full use of Fencing Equipment & Protective Clothing Plastic or Metal swords (age dependent) Your own BFC coach Fun Games & Warm Up Introduction to Footwork & Fencing One Hour of Fencing Use of a private room for cake & presents Set up now Themed Package Additional $100 on top of the basic. Example themes: ​ Starwars – Train like a Jedi Knight using real light sabers Glow-in-the-Dark Fencing – Using black lights play & UV reflective equipment* Pirates & Princesses – Swashbuckle your way through fun games Game of Thrones – Battle against friends or foe with swords ​ *Glow in the Dark fencing may only be booked for evening events Set up now Add-Ons Some things we can help you with: ​ Party Bags – Additional $50 per 12 children $5 per child for each additional child These can be themed to match your party & provide an easy way of giving each guest something to take home with them ​ Birthday Cakes – Additional Charge Dependent on size, we can arrange this for you Set up now Full Birthday Package $500 The full experience, we will take care of all your party needs. This includes: ​ Themed choice Decorated Private Party Room Party bags for each guest Birthday cake Gift Certificates for each guest for BFC Set up now Mix it up with Glow in the Dark Fencing! ​ If you really want a unique and fun birthday, glow in the dark is a spookily fun experience. Set up now *Glow in the Dark fencing available for evening events only

BB&N Fencing BB&N Since 2016 The Boston Fencing Club has partnered with Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, a day school located in Cambridge, to grow a fencing program for middle school and high school students. ​ Students from the school have access to Boston Fencing Club's facility during their athletic season and enjoy the benefit of having a dedicated practice space designed for fencing. With access to BFC's coaching staff, BB&N is thriving in its middle school and high school fencing programs. ​ The partnership provides BB&N students with a regular practice space, up-to-date equipment, and a consistent place to hold meets. ​ Learn more about fencing at BB&N here . ​ *BB&N students also receive a discount on all camps and classes at BFC. With three Massachusetts State Championships in the last five years, the BB&N fencing program is one of the most decorated programs in Massachusetts. The team has had numerous individual state champions, including Christine Yao ’14 who won the individual women’s foil title an unprecedented four straight years. BB&N is the current Women's Epee State Squad Champion. BB&N fencers have included a Junior Olympics gold medalist, a US Cadet and Junior World Team member and several who have represented the United States in international competitions. BB&N fencers have gone on to fence at Dartmouth, Columbia, Princeton, Penn, MIT and Boston College.

Youth ClASSES Youth Learn to Fence SABRE Ages 6 - 8 Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Saturdays 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ages 9 - 11 Wednesday 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Saturdays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Once per week: $125/month Twice per week: $175/month Enroll Now The Learn to Fence class introduces kids to the basics of Sabre fencing using real gear. Students learn footwork, basic fencing terminology, and tactics through warmup games, drills, and fencing. Students usually complete several months of this class before moving up to the next class. ​ Equipment rental is included in the class fee. Students can choose to come once or twice per week. Students are not locked in to coming a certain day of the week. ​ Enrolling new students every month. ​ Youth Intermediate FOIL Monday 5:30pm - 6:30pm and Saturday 1:00pm - 2:00pm This class is for fencers aged 9-13 who have completed the Learn to Fence class or are recommended by a staff member. The class introduces students to competition and develops the technical, physical, mental, and emotional skills necessary to succeed. Youth Intermediate Foil is a great transitionary class from youth learn to fence to youth competitive. Youth intermediate students are encouraged to add one private lesson per week to their training schedule. While students are not required to compete, they are encouraged to start entering local and regional competitions . ​ *students can choose either day to come, and are encouraged to come as many times per week as possible. ​ Enroll Now $150 once per week, $175 per month for twice per week + USFA Membership ​ Fencers can learn more about USFA membership types here: https://www.usafencing.org/membership Youth COMPETITIVE (SABRE, EPEE, and foil) Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 5:30pm - 7:00pm Saturdays 12:00pm - 1:00pm This class is for fencers aged 9-13 who have completed the Learn to Fence class or are recommended by a staff member. The class introduces students to competition and develops the technical, physical, mental, and emotional skills necessary to succeed. Youth competitive introduces students to a more rigorous practice with attention to detail during practice bouts. Youth competitive s tudents are recommended to add one private lesson per week to their training schedule. While students are not required to compete, they are encouraged to start entering local and regional competitions . ​ *students can choose any day to come, and are encouraged to come as many times per week as possible.* ​ Enroll Now Group Lessons Only: $350 per month ​ Youth Competitive Plus: ( Group lessons + 1 [private lesson per week) $550 per month ​ + BFC Annual or Monthly Membership + USFA Membership ​ Fencers can learn more about USFA membership types here: https://www.usafencing.org/membership Private Lessons All lessons are 20 minutes of one-on-one time with a coach. To take a lesson you must wear a fencing mask and glove at all times. Additional gear may be required by your individual coach. All of this can be provided by the club at no additional charge. ​ We highly recommend a thorough warm-up prior to taking a lesson. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to warm-up ahead of your lesson time. ​ Login to your member portal to book lessons. Lessons are available to BFC members only. ​ ​ Book a Lesson

Adult & TEEN Classes Adult Learn To Fence Our Adult Learn to Fence service provides a great introduction to the sport of fencing. Our experienced coaches will teach you the fundamentals of fencing such as footwork, eye coordination, and blade work in a supportive and encouraging environment. Join us today and start your journey as a fencer! ​ Classes are offered on a monthly basis from Sept-June, we enroll new students each month Friday 7:00 - 8:00 PM Suitable for ages 18 and up Enroll Now $125 per month for once a week For Adult Learn to Fence in August, see Summer 2024 TEEN Learn To Fence Friday 4:30 - 5:30 PM & Saturday 12:00 - 1:00 PM Sabre Suitable for ages 12 to 18 Come learn the exciting sport of fencing in our active and fun social environment. Beginner students will learn the basic attacks, defense and tactics of the sport while improving overall fitness and agility. ​ ​ Classes are offered on a monthly basis, we enroll new students each month Enroll Now $125 per month for once a week, $175 per month for twice a week Adult TACTICAL FOIL Mondays & Thursdays 7:30-8:30 PM Tactical class for the intermediate-to-advanced fencer. Fencers should have completed the Learn to Fence class or be recommended by a coach. Classes involve discussing fencing theory specific to that weapon and giving the advanced athlete various tactics to work on. Enroll Now Fencers can choose once ($150/month) or twice ($200/month) per week + BFC Annual or Monthly Membership +USFA membership ​ Fencers can learn more about USFA membership types here: https://www.usafencing.org/membership Private Lessons All lessons are 20 minutes of one-on-one time with a coach. To take a lesson you must wear a fencing mask and glove at all times. Additional gear may be required by your individual coach. All of this can be provided by the club at no additional charge. ​ We highly recommend a thorough warm-up prior to taking a lesson. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to warm-up ahead of your lesson time. ​ Login to your member portal to book lessons. Lessons are available to BFC members only. Book a Lesson

Open Fencing ​ Open Bouting Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00pm-10:00pm Wednesday and Friday 7:00pm-10:00pm Saturday 12:00pm-2:00pm Open bouting is a chance for more experienced fencers to free fence with our members. Fencers are expected to bring their own equipment. ​ BFC Membership fee includes access to Open Bouting. Non-Members will have to pay a $20 Floor Fee, sign in & sign a waiver form. If you need to borrow equipment to open fence, there is a $20 equipment rental fee. ​ Annual membership is $600 and includes open fencing, access to lockers and lessons, and discounts on camps. Annual membership is available to new members until September 1 of each season. After this date, monthly memberships are available for $75. ​ Please purchase your membership or floor fee before arriving! Membership & Floor Fee $600 Annual Membership or $75 Monthly Membership & signed waiver USFA Membership required Private Lessons All lessons are 20 minutes of one-on-one time with a coach. To take a lesson you must wear a fencing mask and glove at all times. Additional gear may be required by your individual coach. All of this can be provided by the club at no additional charge. ​ We highly recommend a thorough warm-up prior to taking a lesson. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to warm-up ahead of your lesson time. ​ Login to your member portal to book lessons. Lessons are available to BFC members only. Book a Lesson

Club Policies Boston Fencing Club Billing Policies Scheduled Billing Late Fee Our classes run on monthly billing. You will be notified that a bill is due ahead of time via an online invoice. Bills will be due in the last week of every month for the following month of classes. You will have the option in the invoice to set up recurring automatic payments. You will also be notified periodically when there are outstanding bills such as coaching fees on your account. If we do not hear otherwise within a week of the notification email, we will charge the card on file to settle the balance. While we also accept cash and check, having a card on file makes billing easier for both parties. Any payments not received within one week of the due date will be subject to a ten percent late fee. If bills are still unpaid 14 days or more after the due date, there will be a twenty percent late fee for each bill. Refund Policy Lesson Policy There are no refunds for class fees after the first week of the month. Refunds during the first week of the month will be subject to a ten percent administrative fee. Payment Method We are happy to take cash, check, or card for all class and lesson fees. The easiest way to ensure bills are paid on time is to leave a card on file and set up auto-payment for classes. If we attempt to run a card and it does not go through, please provide a new card within one week of being notified or we will also add a ten percent administrative late fee to the charge. This policy ensures that all bills are paid on time in the last week of each month. Code of Conduct Act in a sportsmanlike manner Show up to practice and events on time, focused, and ready to give your all Attend events in a timely manner and refrain from actions or activities that would disrupt those events Respect the property of others Act with respect to teammates, other teams, spectators, and officials, regardless of provocation Do not engage in any discriminatory behavior, bullying, or harassment Act in a manner that will bring respect and honor to you, your teammates, your family, and the Boston Fencing Club Weapon Repair Policy ​ General Lesson Policy Private lessons are available with any BFC coach for BFC members only. While the front desk can help with any billing questions, scheduling and payment of lessons will occur online via our member portal. For scheduling questions, please contact your coach directly. Coach emails are available on our staff page. Fencers must wear mask and glove during all lessons. Other gear may be required at the discretion of the coach. Lesson Billing Lesson billing and scheduling are done online via our member portal. Lessons must be paid for in advance. Once lessons are booked, they can be cancelled via the online portal up to 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. If you do not show up for your lesson or are late and running into the next slot, there will be no refund. Our club armorer, Al Merritt, is happy to help with any equipment needs! Simply leave your broken equipment in the designated box with your name, your phone number, and the problem you're experiencing (need help finding a tag? Ask a BFC staff member and they'll be happy to help!). When Al has finished your equipment, your name will go on the "Weapons Repair Pickup" list on the notice board in the front hallway. You will also receive an emailed invoice. You can pay the invoice online or bring in cash. As soon as you've paid, the front desk staff will give you your equipment. Clothing Policy All fencers must come with long athletic pants, or fencing knickers, and closed toed athletic shoes. Non-athletic pants, such as jeans, are not acceptable. Fencing in shorts will not be allowed. Boots and other outdoor shoes will not be allowed on the strips. Please bring a second pair of indoor shoes to fence in, as street shoes dirty our fencing strips!

Competitive For advanced fencers ​ Competitive Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM & Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Competitive fencers are encouraged to attend open fencing Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and Saturdays at 12:00 PM Classes will resume week of August 28th for the 2023-2024 season The Competitive Program is designed for athletes 13+ who are competing at national and international levels. Their goals may include: winning a national championship, competing for an NCAA college, or competing on a U.S. National Team. ​ Fencers looking to join the Competitive Program will have completed the Youth Competitive Program or be recommended by a staff member. ​ It is recommended that you sign up for two private lessons per week with this class. You can choose to come to every class that is offered. Enroll Now Competitive Group Lessons Only: $500 per month ​ Competitive Plus (Group Lessons + 2 private lessons per week) ​ $850 ​ Competitive Elite (Group Lessons + 3 private lessons per week) $1,000 ​ + BFC Annual or Monthly Membership +USFA membership ​ Fencers can learn more about USFA membership types here: https://www.usafencing.org/membership Private Lessons All lessons are 20 minutes of one-on-one time with a coach. To take a lesson you must wear a fencing mask and glove at all times. Additional gear may be required by your individual coach. All of this can be provided by the club at no additional charge. ​ We highly recommend a thorough warm-up prior to taking a lesson. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to warm-up ahead of your lesson time. ​ Login to your member portal to book lessons. Lessons are available to BFC members only. Book a Lesson

Corporate Events Corporate Events Team build at Boston Fencing Club! Give your team an edge over the competition. With a fencing session, your crew will have a fun day learning and working together to build new skills, enjoy a workout and be better prepared to work as a team. *Please wear long athletic pants/leggings and sneakers for working out in All equipment is provided! We can host up to 20 people fencing at each time, but can customize for your team's needs. ​ We recommend each session be at least 2 hours long. Contact Us Catering We work closely with a catering company and can offer a range of catering options if you want to make a day of it. ​ *catering is at additional cost depending on request Conference Room BFC has the facility to set up a private conference room with a high quality projector and the ability to pair team building with a board meeting or planning session

About Boston Fencing Club Since 1858 Our Mission To advance the Olympic sport of fencing in the United States, by producing competitive fencers on the local, regional, national, and international levels. To provide high-quality instruction and bouting opportunities to fencers of all abilities, ages, and skill levels. To increase the physical and financial accessibility of the sport to all potential athletes in the greater Boston area. To develop athletic and mental skills in a healthy and safe environment of individual and team competition with the aim of using the discipline involved in training and achieving fencing goals to make our athletes successful in the academic, business, and professional worlds. Boston Fencing Club The oldest club in the country, since 1858. The Boston Fencing Club Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization that aims to increase the physical and financial accessibility of fencing across the metro-Boston area. We work with local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Waltham, in order to expose more young athletes to the sport. Moving forward we hope to raise the funds to make programs such as these consistent and reliable ways for students from all areas to have fun and keep fit. Any donation to our cause helps! Donate Now Boston Fencing Club’s air-conditioned 24,000 sq ft facility is one of the top training centers in the country. Our facility includes: • 18 electrical strips • A raised finals strip • An armory • Locker rooms with showers • Study room & meeting space • Lobby & parent viewing area • Free Wi-Fi throughout the facility Our Facility Membership Become a member of BFC! Join Now Membership includes: Access to classes and private lessons at BFC Unlimited bouting sessions Use of rental equipment Representing BFC at competitions Discounted gear repairs Supporting the Boston Fencing Club, a 501(c)3 non-profit Access to member events *Annual membership is $450 for the fencing season which begins and ends in August. *Discounts for additional family members ​ Membership is required for students in all classes above the learn-to-fence level Anchor 1

youth Clinics BOSTON FENCING CLUB Summer Learn to Fence Clinics July 29-August 2nd; August 5th-9th; August 19th-23rd Youth ages 7 - 12 will learn to fence in a fun environment with challenges and drills set to build coordination, fitness, and solid footwork. Fencers are prepared with a strong structure to prepare for a strong new year. 4 daily sessions will build upon each other and offer flexibility for your schedule! Clinic Schedule is from 9:00am-5:00pm, and you can choose full or partial day! Online registration is for full day, please email info@bostonfencingclub.org to inquire about partial day timing and pricing. Please bring a packed lunch if joining for the full day. Early drop off from 8:00am and late pick up til 6:00pm available. Register Competitive and Youth Competitive Summer day-Clinics Foil and Epee: August 12-16 Sabre: August 19-23 ​ A high-level training clinic for competitive and youth competitive athletes with BFC head coaches. Athletes will focus on conditioning, drills, and footwork in the morning sessions and tactics and bouting in the afternoon sessions. This clinic works on advancing athletes to give them a competitive edge to start the new season strong! Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00AM Lunch will be included Early pick up and late drop off available from 9:00am and until 5:00pm Register COMPETITIVE SABRE Overnight camp This summer, we are encouraging our competitive and youth competitive sabre students to attend The Sabre Camp, an 8-night residential fencing camp at the Wheaton College campus in Norton, MA from July 30-August 8. BFC coaches Matt Zich and David Sach will be among the lineup of all-star sabre coaches from across the country. Read More