Fencing is not a sport targeted toward any particular age, gender or social status, and Coach Gerhard Guevarra believes it offers a place for everyone.

The All-American Fencing Academy of Fayetteville offers great opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn the sport of fencing.

“Our academy is not some big sports program, this is a place for people of all different athletic backgrounds,” said Coach Guevarra, also the owner of the Academy. “Most people come to us because their child or themselves wanted to do fencing and didn’t know there was a spot in Fayetteville to do that. All we can say for those who don’t know fencing or are skeptical about it, ‘hey come try it out,’” he said.

The All-American Fencing Academy is an official registered school of USA Fencing and the North Carolina Division of USA Fencing.

Guevarra has been coaching since 1999, and brought fencing to Fayetteville through the Pine Forrest Recreational Center. In 2008, he moved the program downtown to open his fencing studio, the All-American Fencing Academy. Guevarra continues to compete nationally and internationally. He competed in the 2006 Vancouver World Cup and has won several North Carolina Division Championships.

Students at the Academy can compete locally, regionally and nationally. Some have qualified for National Championships and some have qualified for Junior Olympics. Some fencers have been recruited and continue to fence for Division I, II, and III university fencing teams.

The All-American Fencing Academy currently has between 30 to 40 students ranging from the lowest age of 7 up to students in their 60s. The beginner classes start on the first week of the month and are for those who have never fenced before. This class teaches the basics, history and proper blade work for fencing. There is a membership option for students who want to continue to pursue fencing, which offers one scheduled class and additional open fencing nights.

The Academy also offers a class for adult learners too — the 40+ class — for those who are interested in the art of fencing but didn’t realize it until later in life.
Private lessons are available based on coach availability.

For those who are just looking for something new and fun to do in Fayetteville, or maybe want to learn more about fencing before committing to a class, the Academy offers a Fourth Friday walk-in class every month, except July. Anyone ages 7 and older can participate for just $10 a student.

All-American Fencing is located at 207B Donaldson St. in downtown Fayetteville. For more information call 910-644-0137, email info@allamericanfencing.com or visit www.allamericanfencing.com/#welcome.