Durkan Fencing Academy —

Where champions take shape

From Kids Beginner to National Champions

Scheduler
Class Calendar

The Durkan Program — Train with the Best

At Durkan Fencing Academy, excellence has no age limit. We believe every fencer — beginner or veteran — deserves access to a world-class program, and the only requirement is your commitment to your own growth.

Our coaching team includes National Champions and Olympians who have represented the U.S. at the highest levels. Together, they’ve built the training environment they always wished they had as athletes — a program that’s thoughtfully designed, expertly delivered, and deeply committed to each fencer’s success.

Class Highlights

Two youth fencers in protective gear spar on an indoor strip; one lunges as the other parries, with other bouts in the background.

Kids Beginner Class (Ages 5-8)

Fun‑filled one‑hour class with games, footwork, partner drills & supervised bouting.

Group lesson at an indoor fencing club: youth fencers in masks practice lunges on parallel strips while a coach in a blue shirt instructs.

Intro to Fencing Beginner Course

Six 1‑hour classes covering body position, footwork, bladework, rules & bouting.

Two fencers in masks spar on an indoor strip; one advances while the other retreats.

Self‑Paced Private Intro Course

Six 30‑minute one‑on‑one
lessons covering all beginner topics
at your own pace.

Private Lessons

Twenty‑minute one‑on‑one sessions tailored to your needs, focusing on blade/body positioning, timing, memory, and precision.

Competitive Fencing Programs

High School Competitive

Tailored to NJSIAA schedules, focused on
HS team success & state qualifiers.

Standard Competitive

For fencers with ≥1 year experience competing at local/regional USA Fencing events.

Travel Team

Advanced training & competition prep for
NACs, JOs & national events.

Regular Fencing Classes

After completing a beginner course, students can join our two‑hour group classes to build new techniques, tactics and prepare for competition.

  • Warm‑up & coordination exercises

  • Footwork & drills (e.g., en garde prep, right‑of‑way)

  • Offensive & defensive strategies

  • Structured & fun exploratory bouting

Icon of a person fencing
Testimonials

“His time at Durkan has helped him to grow and gain confidence that will serve him beyond the fencing strip. Such experiences have helped him to achieve his goals, including becoming and Eagle Scout.”

— Angela G.

“Thank you for the opportunity to watch your program. In the short time I was there, it was clear that you are developing a system of training that is based on science, experience, and most importantly heart. I can tell your fencers are well taken care of.”

— James Fowler PT ACSM

“We are so thankful to have found Durkan Fencing Academy. In our short time as part of the DFA community we have seen our children’s skills, confidence and love of fencing grow dramatically. DFA is a community of expert coaches; warm, supportive families; and devoted fencers. We have been especially impressed with the amount of coaching that goes on at every practice and the interest in the development of every fencers, at every level.”

— Christine S.

“Durkan Fencing Academy has created an environment for fencers to thrive. There is a true team spirit and support system which extends from the world class fencers to the beginners. The most gratifying part for me, as the parent of a fencer, is to see how the coaches genuinely care for each and every student and how, in turn, each of the students genuinely care for each other.”

— Kristen S.

“The facilities, coaches, and attention to detail are second to none! Durkan’s excellent staff got me to the point of competing on a Division 1 fencing team at the university of my dreams. 5 stars!”

— Bernard W.