Saber Nation — Saber Fencing Club in Bethesda, MD

Saber fencing classes for youth, teens, and adults in Bethesda, MD, serving the DMV area with Olympic-caliber coaching.

Saber Nation Fencing Club is a dedicated saber club in Bethesda, Maryland, serving families across Montgomery County, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Saber Nation Fencing Club, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. Phone (301) 200-1853, email info@sabernation.com. Weekday hours 4:00pm to 9:00pm, weekend hours 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Saber is the fastest of the three Olympic fencing weapons, scored with cutting and thrusting actions above the waist. Because the club trains saber exclusively, every class is focused: footwork built for explosive advances and retreats, blade work built for tempo and preparation, and bouting practice on electric strips under competition timing.

Programs run from ages 6 through 70+. New students begin with the Beginners Introductory Package, eight sessions for $120, one time only. The Development Program covers beginner, intermediate, and recreational fencers at $195 per month once a week or $325 per month twice a week. Monthly Unlimited at $425 per month is for tournament preparation and level advancement, and the Adults 18+ and College Varsity group is $195 per month. Group lessons meet Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 PM to 6:15 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at the Bethesda salle, 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2.

Fikrat Valiyev, Owner and Head Coach, leads the coaching staff and sets the technical curriculum. All protective equipment and sabers are loaned for a first class, so a new fencer can try the sport before buying anything. Private lessons are available alongside group classes for fencers who want individual attention on tactics, distance, and preparation for competition.

The club also supports access to the sport through the Saber Nation Fencing Foundation, which funds scholarships, equipment grants, and community outreach so cost is not a barrier to starting saber.