Saber Fencing Classes in Bethesda, MD
Saber Nation teaches saber fencing in Bethesda. The club is at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816, and it is built as a saber-only program — not a three-weapon rec class with saber on the side.
New fencers of any age, 6 through 70+, start with the Beginners Introductory Package. From there members continue in the Development Program, step up to Monthly Unlimited for tournament preparation, or join the Adults and College Varsity group.
Programs in Bethesda
Beginners Introductory Package*
New students only · Youth, Teens, or Adults · Ages 6–70+ — *One-time only — this package can be purchased and used once per student.
Development Program
Beginner · Intermediate · Recreational — Technique, footwork, and structured bouting for members.
Monthly Unlimited
Tournament preparation & level advancement — Unlimited group classes for competitive fencers.
Adults (18+) & College Varsity
Adults 18+ and college varsity team fencers — Adult group training, beginners through varsity athletes.
Group lesson schedule
- Mon & Wed 4:45–6:15 PM — Bethesda salle
- Sat 8:00–10:00 AM — Bethesda salle
Group lessons meet Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Bethesda salle, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2.
Registration
Training is at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Club hours are Monday–Friday 4:00pm–9:00pm and Saturday–Sunday 8:00am–4:00pm. Equipment is provided for beginners.
Compare the beginner classes, youth program, adult program, private lessons, and fencing camps.
Why train saber here
Fikrat Valiyev is Owner and Head Coach. Private lessons are available alongside group classes for fencers who want individual attention.
What a first class is
Borrowed mask, jacket, glove, and saber. Footwork, distance, and one simple attack. Equipment is supplied in class, and a personal glove is encouraged once a fencer decides to continue.
From a first lesson to regular training
Group sessions combine movement, footwork, partner drills, and coached bouting on electric strips. Beginners develop control and repeatable technique before adding speed. Youth fencers can begin at age 6, while adults can start without prior experience and train for recreation, fitness, local competition, or a return to fencing after college.
After the eight-session Beginners Introductory Package, the Development Program provides structured practice once or twice each week. Monthly Unlimited adds training volume for fencers preparing for tournaments and level advancement. Adults 18+ and College Varsity fencers have their own unlimited group option. Competition is available, but it is not required.
Fencers who want individual technical work can add 20-minute or 30-minute private saber lessons. One-on-one coaching can focus on distance, timing, blade preparation, and specific bout situations, while group training supplies varied opponents and coached bouting. Families looking ahead to school breaks can also review the fencing camps interest page; dates and fees are not listed until a camp is scheduled.
Review private lessons and the fencing camps interest page.
Saber coaching in Bethesda
Fikrat Valiyev, Owner and Head Coach, has 29 years of coaching experience, including service as Head Coach of the Azerbaijan National Team and the Nazlymov Fencing Foundation. His students have competed at the Summer Olympics in London, Rio, and Paris, and he brings that international experience into training at Saber Nation.
Saber coaches David Ling and Sharon Ni add national, collegiate, and athlete-development experience. David is a Maitre d'Armes certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association and the Académie d'Armes Internationale, and Sharon is a former NCAA student-athlete with more than a decade of competitive fencing experience. The full coaching backgrounds are available on the coaches page.
Across group classes and private lessons, the coaching approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, repetition, precision, confidence, and long-term development. Coaches recommend the next step according to each fencer's readiness and goals rather than promising a fixed timeline.
Meet the full staff on the coaches page.
Bethesda schedule and contact details
Every Saber Nation class, private lesson, and open fencing session takes place at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Club hours are Monday through Friday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm, and Saturday through Sunday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Group lessons meet Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. TeamUp carries the current registration schedule. Call (301) 200-1853 or email info@sabernation.com if you need help choosing between the introductory package, youth or adult training, Monthly Unlimited, and a private lesson.
Bethesda fencing FAQ
Where can I take fencing classes in Bethesda, MD?
Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Group lessons meet Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
What ages can start fencing?
Ages 6 through 70+. New students of any age start with the Beginners Introductory Package, then continue in the Development Program, Monthly Unlimited, or the Adults and College Varsity group.
When do group lessons meet?
Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Bethesda salle, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2.
Do Bethesda classes include equipment?
Yes for beginners. Masks, jackets, gloves, and blades are lent for the first sessions; a personal glove is encouraged.
Is this foil, épée, or saber?
Saber. Saber Nation is a dedicated saber club.
How do I register for fencing classes in Bethesda?
Register on TeamUp or contact the club at (301) 200-1853.
Join the Bethesda strip
Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Call (301) 200-1853 or email info@sabernation.com.