East of Cooper Fencing offers lessons to students (age 8 and up) and adults on Daniel Island and in Mount Pleasant. Epee classes are taught by Coach Thad Schmenk and Coach Bob Mones. The club does not offer Sabre or Foil fencing. Coach Thad’s contact information is available on the About page of this web site.
Thad and Bob are excellent coaches who stresses sportsmanship, helping each other improve, and practicing the way you compete. In just 6 years, the club has grown from nothing to sending 5 students to the Junior Olympics. It has also had students compete in the National Championship. At the same time, the Club knows how to have fun, hosting events like the “Pirate Olympics.”
Registrations are handled by the City of Charleston Recreation Department and by the Town of Mount Pleasant Recreation Department. There often aren’t enough slots to take everyone who’s interested in fencing. So be sure to register early.
I have a daughter who is very interested in learning to fence do you offer any beginners classes.
Hi Kimberly,
There are beginner classes. You should contact coach Thad Schmenk to see if there’s room for your daughter in one of the classes. His contact information is available under the Contact tab.
Thanks.
Reggie
my son is 12 and wants to take fencing lessons. We live on James Island and would like to know if he can attend your classes there or is there something closer to us?
thanks!
Please call Coach Thad Schmenk to discuss your situation. His phone number can be found on the About tab of this web site. Thanks for your interest.
Are you offering a fencing camp this summer for beginners?
Thanks,
Kim
No. Coach Thad Schmenk takes the summer off to rejuice his batteries. Classes resume in the fall. Registration is through City of Charleston Recreation or Mount Pleasant Recreation. Be sure to make their deadlines. Call coach Thad with questions. His phone number can be found on the About tab of this web site. Thanks for your interest. Fencing is a great mental and physical sport.
Hello, I’m Taylor. Im 16 and would love start taking fencing classes. I read about classes starting this past January, but I’m not sure if I would still be able to take classes or if I would need to wait till this fall. If you could please get back to me soon I would really appreicate it.
~(843) 789 9325
Normally, new students start in the spring or fall. If you want to start some other time, then you should contact Coach Thad Schmenk at 843-697-1528 or ThadSensei@hotmail.com to see if there are open slots. Please note that Thad is a school Principal. He’s a busy (and nice) guy. It may take him a few days to get back to you.
The East of the Cooper Fencing club does not over lessons during the summer.
Hello! I am 21 years old and wondering if it is too late for me to begin fencing lessons? I am very interested in taking up the sport!
Hi, Classes are over until the fall. Registration will be this July. Call or email Coach Schmenk to talk about what class is right for you.