NCF Boulder Youth & Adult Epee Fencing Programs

NCF Boulder Youth & Adult Epee Fencing Programs offers epee fencing for new fencers, committed youth fencers, teens, and adults. The program includes Foundation, Development, Competitive training by invitation, Open Fencing, Learning & Building Skills Club, Performance, Drop-In sessions, and a Six-Week Fencing Challenge. Activities include group sessions, private lessons, open fencing hours, coached sessions, competition prep, Saturday Immersion training, and epee fundamentals.

Programs

• Foundation — Youth program for new fencers; ages 7 to adult are accepted for new fencers · 1 group session per week plus 1 private lesson per week · Stage 1 - New Fencers. All club equipment provided. Month-to-month commitment. Introduction to competitive fencing.
• Development — Youth program for committed fencers · 2 group sessions per week plus 1 private lesson per week · Stage 2 - Committed Fencers. Personal equipment recommended. 3-month commitment.
• Competitive — By invitation only; teens and competitive youth athletes · 2 group sessions per week plus 2 private lessons per week with Coach Gary; Wednesday competition prep; Saturday Immersion training · Stage 3 - By Invitation Only. Competitive training, competition support, and tournament selection/bout analysis.
• Open Fencing — Teen & Adult · Weekly open fencing hours · Epee only. Floor access for serious fencers. Hard-capped at 4-6 fencers per session. Month-to-month commitment.
• Learning & Building Skills Club — Teen & Adult beginners · 1 coached session per week · Epee fundamentals. All equipment provided for beginners. Month-to-month commitment.
• Performance — Teen & Adult · 2 group sessions per week plus 1 private lesson per week; Saturday Immersion available as an add-on · Training to compete. 3-month minimum commitment. Personal equipment required. Saturday Immersion adds a 3-hour session with Coach Gary and includes a $48 surcharge.
• Competitive — Teen & Adult; by invitation only · Competitive training; Wednesday competition prep; Saturday Immersion training · Complete competitive adult program with full competition support.
• Six-Week Fencing Challenge — Adult beginners and new fencers · 12 coached sessions over 6 weeks · Structured next step after the first lesson. All club gear included.

At a glance

• Ages: 7–18 years old

About the provider

NCF Boulder was founded in 1979 and states that it has welcomed new fencers since 1979. Gary Copeland is the founder and head coach, and Andrea Lagan and Devin Tafoya are coaches. The club says it is epee-focused and develops competitive fencers through structured, purposeful training. Its record includes 46 individual national champions, over 800 national finalists, and 64 Junior and Cadet World Championship and Pan American team selections.

• Drop-In — All skill levels · During scheduled session times · Group class or open fencing depending on the schedule. No appointment necessary.

New fencers start at age 7. No upper age limit. Placement is based on readiness and ability, not age or enrollment time. The first lesson is complimentary. Competitive is by invitation only. Drop-in sessions are available during scheduled times. The club runs one weapon: epee.

What families say

“My daughter is gifted and has ADHD. Team sports were a disaster. Too much chaos, too much waiting. Fencing was different from day one. The focus she's developed on the strip shows up in her schoolwork.” — Michelle K., Louisville Parent

“I wasn't the athletic kid. I was the chess club kid. Coach Gary saw something in me that soccer coaches never did. That boutique attention got me recruited to an Ivy League program.” — NCF Alumni NCAA Athlete '24

“NCF Boulder was the first activity where our son looks forward to practice. The mental resilience he's developed helped him through AP exams as much as Nationals.” — Sarah J., Boulder Parent

Last updated November 4, 2026.