About Vivo Fencing Club
Founded in 2012, Vivo Fencing Club teaches both foil and épée classes to beginners through elite competitive fencers. Fencing is a great combination of athleticism, fun and discipline. We are now located in Haverhill, MA – which is about 35 miles north of Boston.
The club has 15 electric strips, laid out on special resilient sports flooring, in a 12-month climate-controlled salle. There is plenty of parking available right outside the door. We supply all of the fencing equipment for our beginner classes, making Vivo a great place to try out the Olympic sport of fencing.
Our coaches reflect the best in the sport: Arpad Horvath is a former World Champion, and Molly Sullivan Sliney is a two-time Olympian. Kornel Udvarhelyi is our Master Coach for both Epee and Foil, joining Vivo after serving as Coach of the U.S. Men’s Epee Olympic Team in Tokyo 2020/2021. Come check us out. We are ready to welcome you. As we say, “En garde!”
We offer Beginner Youth Fencing for boys and girls. We also have classes for teens/adults. Then you move to Intermediate Fencing after that. The goal for our youth fencersis to join a Competitive Fencing Class. After all, Fencing is a competitive sport. Participating in the competing community with fencers from other area clubs is a lot of fun! That’s where it all starts. And it ladders up to Regional, National, And, International competitions. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let us know if you are interested in beginning fencing!
TESTIMONIALS
"The skills taught at Vivo by the amazing coaches Arpi and Molly have carried over into my daughter's life outside of the club. She has a new sense of confidence, determination, and focus apparent on and off the fencing strip." -Nicole, parent
Contact VIVO
Are you interested? Click here to fill out our interest form.
We are located in the Ward Hill section of Bradford – Exit 106 (old 48) off of Rte 495, and also easily accessible from Rt. 125. Click the pin below to open the Google Map or click here.
Fencing, Arpi Horvath, Arpad Horvath, Molly Sullivan Sliney, Kornel Udvarhelyi, Master Coach, Olympic Sport, Beginner Lessons, Beginner Classes, Epee, Foil, Best Fencing North of Boston, Haverhill, VERIFICATION
Get all the detail for Intermediate Level Classes HERE
Get all the details on our Competitive Program HERE
Get all the details on our Recreational Teen/Adult Fencing Progrm HERE
What is the difference between classes and lessons? Class are Group Classes. Lessons are private 1-1 lessons between a coach and a single student. All fencers need to participate in group classes in order to sign up for private lessons.
How do I know which class is right for my child?
If you are just starting, sign up for one of our Beginner terms. If you have fenced before, one of the Vivo coaches will let you know which class is right for you. If your child has had fencing classes through a rec program or other club, we’ll evaluate your child and then place him or her accordingly.
What age do kids have to be to start fencing classes at Vivo?
We prefer to have kids be 7 years old before they start classes with us. That way, it’s easier for them to follow the class directions and be an important part of the class group.
What should my child wear?
Class members should bring a pair of “indoor” sneakers to change into at the club. These should tie securely. No open-toed shoes are allowed. Please don’t wear your fencing shoes outside as we aim to keep the strips clean. You should wear LONG PANTS: warm-up pants are best, and a tee-shirt. We do NOT allow shorts.
What about the fencing equipment?
Vivo provides all the equipment necessary for beginner classes. Fencers in the Intermediate Classes are asked to buy one of two equipment packages: $170 without a weapon/bag OR $280 with a weapon and bag. All equipment is available through the club. Competitive classes need to purchase a full equipment kit for their personal use through the club. Equipment needs fixing sometimes - and we have an armory and a price list for equipment repair.
When should I get to Vivo?
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the class start time so that you can sign in, get your shoes on and be ready to start on time.
Where do I park?
Plenty of parking is available right in front of the building. please do not park in front of our neighbors’ loading docks.
Are you hard to find?
No, We are right off Exit 48 of Rte 495. We are located up on Ward Hill in the Bradford section of in Haverhill . Click here for our map and directions
What if I want to buy my own equipment?
We will order all equipment through the club - we can ensure the right sizing and product that way.
Do I have to be a Vivo club member to take group monthly classes?
Participants in the beginner classes do not have to be club members.
All fencers in Intermediate and above must become members of the club. Intermediates and Recreational Foil/Epee fencers take a Vivo Ltd. Annual membershp of $175. Competitive members take a full Vivo club membership of $300. This is payable at the beginning of each season.
Do I have to join the US Fencing Association?
YES. We will do this for NEW BEGINNERS. Intermediates must join the USFA at the $10 non-competitive rate. Competitive class fencers must have a competitive membership — the fee is $75 per year. As a USFA competitive member you are eligible to compete in USFA-sanctioned competitions.
What about private lessons?
Private lessons are included as part of the monthly package fee for competitive fencers. Intermediate fencers can sign up for optional lessons at $40/20 minutes..We do not offer private lessons to any fencer not enrolled in a fencing class.
Can I just take private lessons?
In order to take private lessons, your child must be enrolled in monthly classes at Vivo. Vivo Annual Club membership is also required.
