THE CUTTING EDGE -- Fencing classes, staged combat, swordplay lessons, footwork, and workshops in sabre and foil in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area of California, USA

Welcome to The Cutting Edge -- sabre fencing, swordplay classes, footwork in the SJ / SF CA Bay Area

"A Cut Above The Rest"

Located in the San Jose / San Francisco Bay Area, CA
408-417-1148 sabre@thecuttingedge.s5.com

Contact Information and Photo Gallery

Fencing Classes

School Programs

Individual Lessons

Competition and Equipment

Fencing Camps

Staged Combat

Special Events and Birthday Parties

Fencing Basics

About the Instructor...

Sabre Fencing Guestbook @ The Cutting Edge

The main goal of The Cutting Edge is to bring fencing to youth via during-school and after-school programs.

"Time reveals truth. And since distance creates time, it is only with this that you can ever know the truth."

"Winning isn't a some time thing--it's an all time thing."
-- Vince Lombardi

"Those who fear to try know not their limits, and thus--know not themselves."

"Parry as late as you dare."
-- Bruce Lee

"No different! Same! Only different in your mind!"
-- "Jedi Master Yoda"

"If you are afraid to be struck, you will be struck. If you are afraid to hit, you will be hit. If you wait to 'see' the moment to attack, you will be attacked. You must feel when the door is open, and no more."
--Master R. Chu

"When the moment comes--'I' do not hit. It hits all by itself."
-- Bruce Lee

"Do. Or do not. There is no 'try'..."
-- "Jedi Master Yoda"

"The highest art is no art. The best form is no form."
-- Bruce Lee

The main goal of The Cutting Edge is to bring the sport of fencing to bay area youth utilizing during and after school programs (and parks & recreational programs) to educate young minds in a sport that is cerebral and pedagogical, yet very athletic and lightning quick! A school program can offer education for students two-fold: athletics and fitness combined with written and verbal understanding. Some additional benefits of fencing are below:

Fencing shares the same basic foundations of any martial art (or even dance and music for that matter!). Some examples of these: measure, tempo change, timing, velocity, and proper execution and simplification of technique. Therefore, students can (if properly educated) associate the learning from one subject or skill set to another--linking the common ground in order to help hasten the learning, and broaden their life perspective.

Also of great import, fencing has much to offer in life lessons: thinking on your feet, dealing with a problem right there in the moment, thinking tactically to surmount that obstacle (which is usually presented in the form of another fencer). Then again, the astute fencer will often learn that they are their own obstacle at times (i.e. improper technique, timing, tenseness, 'robotic' reactions, etc.)! A key realization in preparing a future adult. And of course--fencing requires one to be responsible for his or her own actions, as no one can score a point in fencing... except the fencer! No amount of coaching--no matter how well done--can score a touch for a fencer. They must accomplish this on their own. This concept is paramount to the success of a young person blossoming into a stellar adult in my humble opinion, and I sincerely work to make this a part of my teaching wherever possible in all of my programs, and at whatever fencing level.

Two sabre students discuss the intricate details of politics, our health care system... and...
SABRE FENCING!!

An introductory sabre student graciously pauses to pose for a portrait...

Finally, should all of the above fall to the wayside--fencing is always FUN! Fantastic in bridging gaps between sexes, sizes, ethnicity and personality (as I have seen both girls and boys defeat an opponent--with technique and timing--when confronted with brawn and bludgeoning!), fencing is every school's solution to balancing a student's mind, body and spirit in order to temper--a successful adult!

If you are a school associate, school parent, or school employee, and you wish to look into scheduling a 100% FREE demo of how fencing works (where students suit up, try out a "crash" course in fencing, learn a little fencing history, have fun), send TCE an e-mail with your school contact information, or give us a call! Our contact information is here. The Cutting Edge is 100% certified and insured for liability through the United States Fencing Association Coaches Program.

--Matthew Carauddo (F.F.E. certified fencing instructor)

Hey... want to fence?
... ... ...
Who...? ME?!!

En guarde.

Are you ready?

FENCE!

--Matthew Carauddo (F.F.E. certified fencing instructor)

Additional links or points of interest:

United States Fencing Association (USFA)	Learn about the basics of fencing, find fencing clubs all over the United States, find information about worldwide tournaments.
Coastside Academy of Fencing	Provost Anthony Joslin's introductory and intermediate sabre fencing classes are located in beautiful Half Moon Bay, CA.
Sonoma Fencing Academy	A three-weapon fencing academy located in beautiful Petaluma, CA which offers instruction, electrical fencing, and private lessons in all three weapons.
Blade Fencing Supply	A well-known vendor of fencing gear. Located in New York.
Esun Fencing Supply	A fencing equipment vendor located abroad.
Fencing.net	A collaborative site which includes drills, information and other interesting details regarding many aspects of fencing.

sabre@thecuttingedge.s5.com