Potomac, Maryland
Saber Fencing for Potomac Families
Potomac families train saber at Saber Nation in Bethesda, a dedicated saber club at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, with youth, adult, and private lessons.
Saber Nation has no Potomac location. Every class and lesson happens at the one Bethesda salle, so this page covers the practical questions for Potomac families: getting there, which group fits a new fencer, and what training looks like once a fencer wants to compete.
Getting to the club from Potomac
From Potomac, River Road (MD-190) runs east toward Bethesda. The club is in West Bethesda at The Shops at Sumner Place, with easy access from River Road and Massachusetts Avenue and on-site parking off Sangamore Road. Drive times depend on where in Potomac you start and on after-school traffic, so check your map app before the first class. Club hours are Monday–Friday 4:00pm–9:00pm and Saturday–Sunday 8:00am–4:00pm.
Saber groups for Potomac fencers
- — Beginners Introductory Package* — New students only · Youth, Teens, or Adults · Ages 6–70+
- — Development Program — Beginner · Intermediate · Recreational
- — Monthly Unlimited — Tournament preparation & level advancement
- — Adults (18+) & College Varsity — Adults 18+ and college varsity team fencers
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.
*New students can start with the Beginners Introductory Package — 8 sessions, one time only (can be purchased and used once). Join or book on TeamUp.
Compare the beginner classes, youth program, and adult program before choosing a membership.
Want one-on-one work alongside group class? See private lessons.
Starting saber from Potomac
New fencers ages 6 and up start with the Beginners Introductory Package: 8 sessions with loaner masks, jackets, gloves, and sabers, so there is no kit to buy before you know fencing is a fit. Adults can start with no prior experience.
Early sessions cover the on-guard position, advances, retreats, and the lunge, then distance and simple blade actions. Wear athletic clothes, long trousers, and indoor court shoes, and bring water. New to the sport? Read what is the sport of fencing.
When a Potomac fencer wants to compete
Saber Nation trains fencers for Capitol Division events and the USA Fencing regional and national calendars. Monthly Unlimited members get the extra training volume for tournaments and level advancement, and 20-minute or 30-minute private saber lessons add individual technical work. See the USA Fencing tournament schedule and the guide to a first saber fencing tournament. Competition is available, but it is not required.
Potomac questions
Is there a saber fencing club in Potomac, MD?
Saber Nation does not have a Potomac location. The club is in West Bethesda at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, and Potomac families train there.
How do we get to the club from Potomac?
Most routes use River Road (MD-190) toward Bethesda. The club has easy access from River Road and Massachusetts Avenue, with on-site parking off Sangamore Road.
Can Potomac kids start with no experience?
Yes. New fencers ages 6 and up start with the Beginners Introductory Package, 8 sessions with loaner equipment, then continue in the Development Program.
Do you teach foil or épée?
No. Saber Nation teaches saber only.
What families say on Google
“This is a new club with a coach who is internationally renowned. The space is getting ready to include the best of the art in terms of equipment. The founding parents’ vision for the club is for the kids to enjoy fencing and make friends. The team is dedicated to have the kids thrive, should they want to compete. We joined and like it a lot!”
“Student of Fikrat for past two years. outstanding instructor!! He coaches my two sons as well. David Ling is highly experienced and very patient.”
“Love the coach and the club that is very welcome and provide the one on one lessons to improve kids technique!”
“Our kids have trained with Coach Fikrat for three years. What has impressed me the most is how well he understand them as individual athletes and tailor his coaching to their needs. He has helped them become more tactical and confident in tournaments, while only growing their love for the sport. … We are excited to continue this journey with Coach Fikrat at Saber Nation!”
Find the Bethesda salle
Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816, at The Shops at Sumner Place, with on-site parking off Sangamore Road.
Also serving Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Washington DC, and Arlington.
Start in Bethesda
Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Head coach Fikrat Valiyev. Call (301) 200-1853 or email info@sabernation.com.
Prefer to ask first? Contact the club.