Saber Nation Fencing Club

Saber fencing classes for youth, teens, and adults in Bethesda, MD, serving the DMV area with Olympic-caliber coaching.

Saber Nation Fencing Club is a dedicated saber club in Bethesda, Maryland, serving families across Montgomery County, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Phone (301) 200-1853, email info@sabernation.com. Weekday hours 4:00pm to 9:00pm, weekend hours 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Saber is the fastest of the three Olympic fencing weapons, scored with cutting and thrusting actions above the waist. Because the club trains saber exclusively, every class is focused: footwork built for explosive advances and retreats, blade work built for tempo and preparation, and bouting practice on electric strips under competition timing.

Programs run from ages five through adult. Little Sabers teaches coordination, safety, and simple blade handling. Youth classes add full gear and electric scoring. Competitive training targets regional qualifiers, Junior Olympics, and national events. Adult classes are open to beginners with no prior sports background as well as veterans returning to the strip.

Fikrat Valiyev, Owner and Head Coach, leads the coaching staff and sets the technical curriculum. All protective equipment and sabers are loaned for a first class, so a new fencer can try the sport before buying anything. Private lessons are available alongside group classes for fencers who want individual attention on tactics, distance, and preparation for competition.

The club also supports access to the sport through the Saber Nation Fencing Foundation, which funds scholarships, equipment grants, and community outreach so cost is not a barrier to starting saber.