Finding us
Come and See.
We are on 4th Street in San Rafael, and you are welcome to watch a session before you decide anything.
Where we are
Marin Fencing Academy is located at 827 4th Street in downtown San Rafael, just a few minutes from Highway 101 and easy to reach from anywhere in Marin.
Parking is easy. There is metered street parking along 4th Street and throughout the surrounding blocks, as well as several public parking lots and garages nearby. Parking is free after 6:00 PM and all day on Sundays. Wherever you park downtown, you're usually only a short walk from the Academy.
Coming from southern Marin or San Francisco, take Highway 101 north into San Rafael and follow the signs toward downtown. Once you're off the freeway, we're just a few minutes away on 4th Street.
Prefer not to drive? The San Rafael Transit Center and SMART station are both within walking distance, with connections throughout Marin and the North Bay.
Come a few minutes early, find your way in, and we'll take it from there.
- Phone
- 415.526.3177
Your first visit
If you're joining us for a free introductory lesson, welcome! There's nothing special you need to bring and no equipment to buy. Just come in and we'll get you started.
When you arrive, say hello and let us know you're here for your intro lesson. If the salle is busy and our coaches are in the middle of classes or lessons, make yourself at home in the lounge area — or just come on in and watch the class that's underway. Someone will be with you as soon as they're free.
Your intro lesson starts with some warm-ups and basic fencing drills to get you moving and introduce you to the fundamentals. We may mix in a game or two — especially with our younger fencers. Then comes the fun part: we'll suit you up, put a weapon in your hand, and get you fencing.
Don't worry if you've never fenced before. That's exactly what the intro lesson is for, and no experience is expected.
If you decide to continue, we provide all the fencing equipment you'll need for your first 30 days, so there's no need to buy anything right away.
Parents are always welcome to stay and watch. Grab a seat alongside the fencing floor, relax in the lounge, or feel free to drop your child off and return at the end of the lesson.
MFA is a working fencing salle, so there's almost always something happening — classes, private lessons, open fencing, or people simply catching up with each other. Come in, look around, and make yourself comfortable.
We'll take care of the rest.
What to bring
Not much! We provide all the fencing equipment you'll need to get started, including a mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. If you decide to continue, equipment is provided for your first 30 days, so there's no need to buy anything right away.
For your first visit, wear comfortable athletic clothes you can move easily in and long pants — sweatpants, track pants, or lightweight athletic pants are ideal. No shorts, please.
Fencing is active and you'll warm up quickly, so try to avoid jeans, heavy pants, or bulky clothing unless you bring something lighter to change into.
Wear comfortable athletic shoes that you can move easily in. Running, court, or other athletic shoes are all perfectly fine when you're starting out.
We have space to change before or after class and room for your belongings while you fence.
And bring a water bottle. You'll probably need it.
That's really it. We provide the gear. You bring yourself.
“Nobody starts as a fencer. You become one.”