WHERE ARE WE LOCATED? We are physically located at 1106 S. 15th St., Tacoma WA 98405 (map) in the Sons of Norway building called 'Normanna Hall' at the corner of 15th and MLK. Entrance is on the 15th St side of the building. Look for the neon crossed swords.    Visitors are always welcome.

 ABOUT THE CLUB   

The Metro Tacoma Fencing Club (MTFC) was founded as a non profit organization in 1998. Blue Steel Fencing Club, founded in 1977, became part of MTFC in 1999. The mission of MTFC is to provide a safe and friendly environment in the Tacoma and Pierce County area for individuals to learn, practice or teach fencing in order to promote fencing as great exercise, competitive sport and recreational activity. MTFC prides itself on having an inclusive, friendly and relaxed atmosphere where friendships develop naturally. We have a lively, social and supportive member base.

MTFC is an 501(c)3 tax exempt organization with a core mission to foster national and international amateur sports competition by supporting and developing amateur athletes for national and international amateur fencing competitions in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.

We offer foil, epee and sabre modern fencing in the ballroom of historical Normanna Hall in Upper Tacoma. MTFC is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Section, Western Washington Division of the United States Fencing Association (USFA). Our coaches are members of the United States Fencing Coaches Association and qualified instructors in all three fencing sport weapons.

We offer group classes from beginner to advanced, Individual lessons, open recreational and competitive fencing. Fencing is conducted in a controlled and disciplined manner under professional adult supervision. We ensure that fencers receive a solid foundation whether their goals are recreational or competitive.

Our Philosophy

Our coaches and staff are talented, passionate volunteers who are motivated by their love of the sport. All coaches share duties as instructors for the beginning classes. As a whole we tend to believe that fencing as physical education is extremely important to all people regardless of age or physical ability for health and wellness.

We believe that fencing is more than just recreation or purely, just a competitive sport. Fencing imparts fitness, confidence, physical awareness, concentration, positive social skills, holistic self awareness and creative problem solving. Fencing is truly a mind body sport. Our desire is to create lifelong fencers for all the benefits it provides. Those fencers who choose to be competitive are trained to compete correctly. We also want our fencers to have some fun learning and playing the sport.

Our instructors feel that our training methods develop a better fencer. We hope that the positive experience and success in fencing and the club extends directly into the athletes' lives. We work to provide a venue where people with different abilities and goals can meet their own objectives and excel.

On Safety

Fencing swordplay is very safe. Equipment meeting strict protective guidelines and rules that emphasize safety above all else make injuries in fencing extremely rare. Good sportsmanship is a traditional and honored core value in fencing that emphasizes mutual respect. Body contact in fencing is to be avoided except as incidental and then there are penalties for this rule infraction. Good fencing is taught as finesse fencing and this helps to ensure safe fencing.

Some of the Benefits of Fencing:

Fencing is a sport for all ages and levels of athletic ability.

Swordplay is a great workout, developing cardiovascular fitness, balance, muscle tone and flexibility.

Fencing sharpens reflexes and builds confidence.

  Persons with physical challenges can participate. (See also Seattle Adaptive Sports)

Fencing improves the mind, develops the body, teaches concentration and tactical thinking. Like chess, Fencing develops problem solving skills. It's no wonder that Fencing is sometimes termed physical chess.

Fencing is safe, good exercise and fun.

Copyright 2011 Metro Tacoma Fencing Club. All rights reserved.