Ive been fencing at Center for Blade Arts for six years, and Ive met fencers of all age groups, skill levels, and time commitments, and the club welcomes them all with open arms. Whether youre there to be competitive and go to tournaments, or have just fun and try a new sport, CBA has a place for you. Id highly recommend trying it out.

Ive fenced at Center for Blade Arts from 4 years now and not only have I met amazing people, Ive always has a fun experience learning from the coaches. No matter what class Im in, they are quick to help me improve. The staff at this club quickly foster a sense of community and Im so glad to have chosen CBA.

I’ve been going here for years and have had a great experience! I’ve made so many friends and the staff are all very patient, funny, and knowledgeable. I am also very impressed by how they are adapting to the pandemic, it can be especially difficult to navigate restrictions on sports during this time and they are doing it gracefully.

I started fencing here in April of 2008, back in the days when this was the Minnesota Sword Club. I liked MSC, but there were issues with management and the upkeep of the building.However, in 2018 there was a change in ownership, and the Center for Blade Arts has made much-needed updates to the physical gym space, as well as improving the organization of classes.It really feels like coaches want every student to succeed, and it is clear that the new management is actively making an effort to listen to and apply feedback from customers.In the twelve years that I have been fencing here, this club has become like a second home to me. No matter your age or experience level, I highly recommend giving CBA a try.

Great people, great instructors and a great environment

A wonderful fencing experience. The coaches are fun and chill, the drills are fairly easy to catch on to, and the people there are generally kind.

My son was trying to sign up for classes, the owner was supposed to call me back, but after I denied private lessons, the conversation ended there, and he never called me back.

Teen took a one week beginners camp and learned a lot. They seemed a bit disorganized, not sure how many instructors there are? Would be nice to have that info. on their website. Their website could be easier to understand as well. Nice if there was a suggested path of classes to enroll in. Can tell the staff enjoy teaching though.

Great instructors for adults lessons. Its located in the basement, good for winter, but too warm during spring and summer, no A/C. Rental uniforms are available but not clean. If youre taking this sport serious, Id recommend you buy your own clothes. Overall, lots of fun!

Both my girls are learning to fence. My oldest has been fencing now for four years. My youngest just started. The instructors are very good at what they do. The students are broken into groups based on age and ability and nobody is harassed if they arent as good as others. The instructors encourage safety, teamwork, and technique. There is a competitive team and several tournaments, but my daughters are still fairly casual. They love the atmosphere and their friends.

Scheduled a last minute (within a week) private 2 hour fencing lesson for 4 people and absolutely enjoyed it!! The instructor was very accommodating and flexible as I planned this for guest that were flying in from out of town and had a flight delay. All 4 of us had a wonderful time, learned a lot and I would defiantly recommend!

Excellent introductory camp for 8-12 year olds. Kids learned three different types of fencing in four days with a tournament on the fifth day. Tyler deftly kept the kids engaged, learning, and safe.

This is not only for fencing, but is also the home of the Twin Cities Kendo club. Beginner classes every Saturday at 3:45. People interested in joining are encouraged to come watch a practice and stay to chat with the team!

I want to express to everyone in this post that Rich Jacobson owner of the Minnesota Sword Club is an amazing, thoughtful and good person. This post is not in regard to him, but regarding an instructor who works there. Tyler Clayton is by far the worst person to ever walk in my sons life. This past Friday, my son had a scheduled birthday party to celebrate his 9th party at Minnesota Sword Club. Confirmed several times with Rich. Tyler was the assigned instructor. My son was to celebrate with a few of his friends. This year my son asked that in lieu of gifts, that people donate to the charity of their choice for my 8 yr old niece who his battling Medulloblastoma. My son felt the party was gift enough. At the scheduled time, Tyler was a no show. The building was locked and there was no response from Tyler. Needless to say, my son did not have his fencing party. Upon returning home devastated and mortified, I received a call from Rich who profusely apologized. I then proceeded to receive a call from Tyler. His first thing was hey, this is Tyler and like I was supposed to be running your sons party and bummer... I fell asleep cause I wasnt feeling great today and because of that Im going to offer you another party and I wont charge you for my services. The dismay I felt was unbelievable. When I told him my son was devastated, his response was Im sorry he feels that way. Well, needless to say Tyler just didnt get the magnitude and still doesnt of what he has done. He admitted to waking up prior to the party but never called Rich to let him know he wouldnt be there. When he called me it was clear he was out partying. He never tried to contact my son the next day to apologize, send a gift, balloons anything. He actually could not care of the damage he has done. So my end to this that MN Sword is a club that is good, but it is only good without Tyler Clayton.

USFA member club. Plenty of classes for all ages including adults for all skill levels. Great instructors and friendly staff.

Customer services is absolutely not a priority here!! I wouldnt recommend this place to anyone.

Well, I will give 5 stars to Lisa, my sons instructor, as she is a great teacher, but thats where I would end my generosity. Everything else hardly deserves one star, at the most. The place itself is a filthy dungeon. Pretty much everything in the sitting area for parents/siblings looks like it was either picked up from dumping sites or brought there because people did not feel like taking it to the dump. Equipment (jackets, gloves and masks) never saw soap/detergent and water since original purchasing. Helped by bottles and bottles of antimicrobial solution and by Lisas professionalism and great attitude towards kids (did I mention she studies to become a real teacher?) we survived about four months. But with summer looming, my son, who is already in Aikido and soccer, decided he wanted to restart his swimming lessons and since he has been in Aikido and soccer for over two years now, and there are not enough days in the week for all the stuff we want to do, the obvious choice was to give up Fencing. Here starts the fun. We had two months left in his membership and when I asked for a refund, Mr. Rich, the Club Director refused to issue any refunds, saying their policy is to offer credit instead. No matter what I tried to say he was staunch in saying No refund, only credit. I left the place with a bitter taste in my mouth, reluctantly willing to accept, but since I was not sure how the credit works I emailed him few days ago asking for more information on the subject. Long story short, after exchanging several emails in which he would just say two months worth of credit. Pretty simple, today I pressed him with questions on how will it work if my son decides to use the credit 5 years from now, when he will be a teenager and membership fees are much higher. His answer was 2/3 of $94.00 will be credited to his account then. At my comment that no matter what, the club wins and customers looses , Mr. Rich had the audacity to accuse me of wanting to cheat the club and when I said that if anyone is cheating, then he is the one cheating on his customers, he put me on their spam list! Unbelievable!!! I have never ever had to deal with such a rude and disrespectful individual in my entire life!!! If anybody is interested I can provide the email exchange. I would definitely recommend you avoid this place, or make sure you know upfront there is no refund if you change your mind.

I go there, and the teachers are awesome!

Observed the training, and instructors. All seemed well.