What it
costs to fence.
Monthly dues cover coaching and club operations. Equipment is purchased separately — the club helps with sizing, and you can build a kit gradually as you commit to the sport.
Not sure yet? Watch a class first — there’s no charge to observe.
Three ways in.
Club Base Membership
Access to bouting times and the social life of the club.
- Open bouting time on practice nights
- Club social events
- Extra programming throughout the year
Base + Group Class
The full member experience — base membership plus coached weapon classes.
- Everything in Base Membership
- 60-minute weapon classes with USFA-certified coaches
- Eligible for individual coach lessons (priced by coach)
Non-member Drop-in
For visiting fencers from other clubs passing through West Des Moines.
- Single class attendance
- No ongoing commitment
Individual coach lessons are billed by the coach at a rate they set. Talk to your coach directly to arrange one-on-one work.
You can start
with what you have.
New fencers can begin with athletic gear they likely already own — the club lends weapons, masks, and jackets while you decide whether to invest in your own kit. Coaches help with sizing before you buy.
Athletic basics
Wear what you have. The club covers the rest at first.
- Athletic shoes (volleyball / tennis court or fencing shoes)
- Knee-high socks
- Athletic t-shirt
- Athletic shorts
- Water bottle
- Gym or fencer's bag
Fencer’s whites
Once you’re committed, your own uniform. Sized with your coach.
- Mask
- Weapon
- Jacket
- Plastron
- Chest protector (as required or requested)
- Glove
- Knickers
Competitive kit
Required only for sanctioned competition. Recreational fencers can skip it.
- Lamé
- Two body cords
- Two mask cords
National membership.
All DMFC members carry an active USA Fencing membership. The club covers your first year of non-competitive membership; after that, members are required to maintain their own.
Non-Competitive
For fencers who train but don’t enter sanctioned events.
- Secondary medical / accident insurance
- Cannot compete in sanctioned events
- No voting privileges
Competitive
Required to compete at local, divisional, regional, and national events.
- All sanctioned competition access
- Secondary medical / accident insurance
- Voting privileges in USA Fencing
- Subscription to American Fencing Magazine
Sign up or renew directly with USA Fencing at usafencing.org/membership.