Saber Fencing for Chevy Chase Families

Chevy Chase families train saber at Saber Nation in Bethesda, a dedicated saber club at 4701 Sangamore Road with youth, adult, and private lessons.

Chevy Chase families train at one Saber Nation salle: 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. There is no second Chevy Chase location. Families drive to Bethesda for dedicated saber coaching, group classes, private lessons, and open fencing.

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 at the Bethesda salle.

The drive from Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase families train at Saber Nation in Bethesda, not at a separate Chevy Chase branch. Every class, private lesson, and open fencing session takes place at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Families commonly reach the salle through the Friendship Heights and Connecticut Avenue corridor before continuing west toward Sangamore Road.

Club hours are Monday through Friday 4:00pm to 9:00pm and Saturday through Sunday 8:00am to 4:00pm. Call (301) 200-1853 or email info@sabernation.com if you need help selecting a class before making the drive.

Saber groups Chevy Chase fencers join

New students can begin with the Beginners Introductory Package: eight sessions, available one time only per student. It is the club's only promotional package. Loaner masks, jackets, gloves, and sabers are available at the start, so beginners do not need to purchase a full set of equipment before learning the fundamentals.

After the introduction, the Development Program offers training once a week or twice a week. Monthly Unlimited is also available. Adults 18+ and College Varsity fencers can join the adult group. Drop-in group classes and open fencing are available.

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. The same published programs apply to members arriving from Chevy Chase and members living elsewhere in the DMV.

What beginners can expect

A first class begins with the on-guard position, advances, retreats, and the lunge before moving into basic blade actions and short partner exercises. Saber—also written sabre internationally—is the fastest fencing weapon, so coaches establish balance, distance, and controlled movement before asking a beginner to add speed.

New students should wear athletic clothes, long trousers, and indoor court shoes, and bring water. Coaches introduce bouting gradually and check protective equipment before fencers use an electric strip. Youth fencers can begin at age 6, and adults can start without prior experience.

From a first lesson to regular training

Group sessions combine movement warm-ups, footwork sequences, partner blade drills, and coached bouting. Beginners develop control and repeatable technique. Experienced fencers work on preparation, tactical choices, and responding under pressure. The saber-only setting keeps each exercise relevant to the weapon members actually fence.

Fencers who want individual technical work can add 20-minute or 30-minute private lessons. One-on-one coaching can focus on distance, timing, blade preparation, and specific bout situations. Competition is available but never required; members may train for recreation, fitness, local events, or national goals.

Regular attendance gives beginners time to connect footwork with blade actions and decision-making. Once-a-week Development training can fit a new family's schedule, while twice-a-week Development offers more repetition. Monthly Unlimited provides additional volume for fencers preparing for tournaments and level advancement.

Parents can watch for steady improvements in balance, distance control, and the ability to follow a tactical instruction during a bout. Adults develop the same fundamentals before progressing toward their own recreation, fitness, or competition goals. Coaches recommend the next step based on each fencer's readiness rather than promising a fixed timeline.

Families looking ahead to school breaks can review the fencing camps interest page. No dates or fees are presented until a camp is scheduled, while year-round beginner, youth, and adult classes remain available now.

Bethesda schedule and contact details

The only Saber Nation salle is 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 sessions run Monday and Wednesday 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Call (301) 200-1853, email info@sabernation.com, or use the contact page if you need help choosing between the introductory package, a youth or adult group, and private lessons. Registration and the current schedule are available through TeamUp.

Families can review available TeamUp sessions before traveling and contact the club if they are deciding between group training and a private lesson. Every registration is for the same Bethesda address.

Chevy Chase questions

Is there a saber fencing club near Chevy Chase?

Saber Nation is in Bethesda at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, and serves Chevy Chase families from that single salle.

Do you teach foil in Chevy Chase?

No. Saber Nation teaches saber at its Bethesda salle.

Can kids from Chevy Chase join a beginner group?

Yes. New fencers ages 6 and up can start with the one-time eight-session introductory package before continuing in the Development Program.

Also serving the DMV

Saber Nation also serves Bethesda, Washington DC, and Arlington families from the same Bethesda salle.