Sabre fencing in NYC and Westchester: An introductory guide
Sabre is the fast, aggressive one of the three fencing weapons, and it's the one we teach every kid who walks through our doors. At Sheridan Fencing Academy, children and teens fence sabre at all three of our clubs, on the Upper East Side, in Forest Hills, and in Mamaroneck. It's the weapon our coaches know best and the one we think gives a new fencer the most fun from the very first class.
You'll see it spelled two ways. "Sabre" is the international spelling, and "saber" is common in the United States. It's the same weapon either way.
What is sabre fencing?
Sabre is one of the three Olympic fencing weapons, alongside foil and épée. What sets it apart is that you can score with the edge of the blade as well as the tip, so a sabre fencer can cut as well as thrust. USA Fencing describes it as "a fast, aggressive game," and anyone who's watched a sabre bout knows that's an understatement.
The target is everything from the bend of the hips to the top of the head, front and back. That includes the torso, the arms, and the mask, but not the hands or the legs.
Sabre uses a rule called right of way. When both fencers hit at nearly the same moment, the referee awards the touch to the fencer who had priority, which usually means the one who started the attack. It sounds complicated, and it takes a few classes to really click, but it's also what makes sabre such a thinking game.
The weapon itself is light. A sabre blade can be no longer than 88 centimeters, and the whole weapon tops out at 500 grams, about the weight of a water bottle.
Sabre vs. foil vs. épée
If you're comparing weapons, here's the short version. Our full guide to foil, épée, and sabre goes deeper.
| Weapon | Target | How you score | Right of way | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre | Waist up, including the head and arms | Edge or point | Yes | Fast and aggressive |
| Foil | Torso only | Point only | Yes | Precise and technical |
| Épée | The whole body | Point only | No | Patient and tactical |
Source: USA Fencing. Sabre is the weapon every kid learns at Sheridan Fencing Academy.
Why we teach sabre to kids
We start every kid on sabre because it suits the way kids actually like to play. Our philosophy is that good training is fun training, and sabre delivers fun fast.
The action comes quickly. Sabre touches are short and explosive, so kids spend their time moving, attacking, and scoring rather than waiting.
Kids get feedback right away. Every touch is a small win or a small lesson, and a 9-year-old can see exactly what worked.
It builds the whole athlete. Footwork, balance, coordination, and reaction time all get a workout in every class.
It rewards quick thinking. Right of way means a fencer has to read the opponent and decide fast, which is a skill that carries well beyond the strip.
Everyone starts from zero. Almost nobody grows up fencing, so the new kid in class isn't behind anybody.
How kids learn sabre at Sheridan Fencing Academy
Every age group learns sabre, and each one is built around what kids that age can actually do.
Ages 4 to 6. Forty-minute classes focused on motor skills, coordination, and concentration, taught through games. See our kids program.
Ages 7 to 9. One-hour classes that build coordination, balance, strength, and reaction time, still taught through games. See our youth program.
Ages 10 and up. Classes start at an hour and grow with the fencer through 10 levels. Level II moves to 90-minute classes, Level III and up train for two hours, and fencers at Level IV and above can add private lessons. See our teen program.
Kids move up through a system of colored wristbands, so there's always a next step to work toward. Our Fencetastic Festivals give them a low-pressure way to fence kids from other groups before they ever enter a real tournament.
Every class blends three kinds of training. General fitness builds overall coordination. Semi-specific drills build fencing-ready skills like explosiveness and changing direction. Then kids put it all together with real footwork, bladework, and bouts.
Sabre for competitive fencers
For kids who catch the competitive bug, sabre is a sport with a real pathway, from local events to national tournaments and college fencing.
Our founder and head coach, Jason Sheridan, is the first American-born coach in history to train a World Champion in sabre. Our fencers have gone on to compete at national and international events, and to fence for colleges including Harvard, Princeton, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania. You can see recent seasons on our results page and where our athletes have landed on our college placements page.
We still believe a love of training matters more than any result. The fencers who go furthest are almost always the ones who were having the most fun along the way.
Sabre for adults
It's never too late to start. Adults fence sabre at all three of our clubs, and our oldest fencer is 94. Our Manhattan club is the only one that also teaches foil and épée to adults, if you'd like to try all three. See our adult program.
Where to fence sabre
All three Sheridan Fencing Academy clubs teach sabre to every age group.
Upper East Side, Manhattan. 1801 First Avenue, one block from the Q at 96th Street and the M96. Six full-length strips. See our Manhattan club.
Forest Hills, Queens. 106-06 Queens Boulevard, 4th floor, inside the Forest Hills Jewish Center, with the entrance on 69th Road. Two blocks from the E, F, M, and R at 71st–Continental. See our Queens club.
Mamaroneck, Westchester. One Depot Plaza, directly across the street from the Mamaroneck Metro-North station, with street parking and a municipal lot nearby. Eight full-length strips. See our Westchester club.
Your first sabre class
Your first class is a trial, and it's free for kids. All the equipment is provided, including the mask, jacket, glove, and sabre, so there's nothing to buy before you know whether you like it. Wear comfortable athletic clothes and sneakers.
The youngest kids learn through games from the first minute. Older kids and adults get their first taste of sabre footwork and bladework.
Book a free trial at our Upper East Side, Forest Hills, or Mamaroneck club.
Frequently asked questions
Is sabre fencing good for kids?
Yes. Sabre's fast pace and quick feedback keep kids engaged, and it builds coordination, balance, reaction time, and decision-making at the same time.
What age can my child start sabre?
Kids can start at 4 in our kids program. Children under 7 learn through games built around coordination and focus.
Is sabre fencing safe?
Yes. Fencers wear a mask, jacket, and glove designed for the sport, and every class is run by our coaches. Beginners learn the basics before they fence a bout.
What's the difference between sabre and saber?
There's no difference. "Sabre" is the international spelling, and "saber" is common in the United States.
Do I need to buy equipment?
No. All equipment is provided to start. Fencers who stay with it usually buy their own gear later, and we can point you in the right direction.
Can my child switch to foil or épée later?
Yes. The footwork and fundamentals carry over, and many fencers try more than one weapon over time. Adults at our Manhattan club can train foil and épée as well as sabre.
How is sabre different from foil and épée?
Sabre scores with the edge as well as the point, and its target is everything from the waist up. Foil scores only on the torso with the point, and épée scores anywhere on the body with the point.
Try sabre for yourself
The best way to understand sabre is to pick one up. Book a free trial class for your kid at any of our three clubs, or look at all our programs and schedules to find the right fit. No commitment, no sales pitch—just a class to find out if it clicks.