How to Book a Beginner Introductory Fencing Lesson at FIT

To start at the Fencing Institute of Texas (FIT) in Carrollton, register for the reduced-fee 30-minute Introductory Lesson, then schedule it by email for a Monday 6:00 or 6:30 pm slot or a Saturday 1:00 or 1:30 pm slot. Before the lesson, complete a free USA Fencing trial membership form and bring it with you. This path is only for people who have never fenced; FIT states the Introductory Lesson is not for those with prior fencing experience.

Who the intro lesson is for

FIT describes itself as a non-profit fencing school offering recreational through Olympic-level training in foil and epee, plus parafencing and historical (Victorian) fencing. The intro lesson is the recommended first step for complete beginners who want to see whether they enjoy the sport before joining a beginner class.

If you have fenced before, skip the intro lesson and look at the club's program options instead. FIT's beginner tracks are organized by age:

Step-by-step signup

1. Register for the Introductory Lesson. Use the intro lesson information page linked from the FIT site. The lesson carries a reduced fee.
2. Watch for the scheduling email. After registering, FIT sends an email with instructions for booking your lesson. Lessons run Monday at 6:00 and 6:30 pm and Saturday at 1:00 and 1:30 pm.
3. Get your USA Fencing trial membership. A free Trial Membership with USA Fencing is required for the lesson. Fill out the form on the USA Fencing website and bring it to your lesson.
4. Attend and decide. The 30-minute session with a FIT coach is your chance to try the sport and judge whether you want to enroll in a beginner class.

Timing, refunds, and extensions

• You can schedule the intro lesson now or later, as long as the appointment falls within a 3-month period.
• Refunds are not given.
• If you cannot schedule within 3 months, email [email protected] before the Intro Lesson membership expires to request an extension of the end date.
• Requests made after the Intro Lesson membership has canceled cannot be refunded or extended, so contact the club before that deadline.

Common snags to avoid

• Arriving without the USA Fencing form. The trial membership form is required for the lesson, so complete it before you go.
• Booking outside the window. If your schedule is tight, book early in the 3-month period rather than waiting.
• Signing up with prior experience. The intro lesson is reserved for newcomers; experienced fencers should ask FIT about placement in a program instead.

For questions, the club lists [email protected] as its contact address.