info@modernduelists.com | (267) 966-5610
505 Blueball Road, Building 205, Elkton, MD 21921
Welcome to Modern Duelists!
We are MoDuel, and our coaches offer a one-of-a-kind, highly individualized epee fencing instruction program in Elkton, Maryland. Our approach to fencing is a little different than most, and we like it that way. Our program is centered around one-on-one fencing lessons, supplemented with bouting and small group training.
Ages 8+
Our coaches tailor their training to you, every step of the way!
505 Blueball Road, Building 205, Elkton, MD 21921
Our Story
In 2013 Head Coach & Founder Jeff Safko first opened the épée-only fencing program in Cecil County, Maryland. We teach our students not just how to fence, but how to “fight,” how to think, and how to be a true student of the game. Our approach is competitive in nature and has the goal of developing absolute fencing mastery—a tall order, but one that’s at the core of our mission. We are committed to our athletes and deeply proud of our resulting record of accomplishment: A-rated fencers, Youth and Veteran National Points, medals at all levels, and most recently, the bronze medal in the 2023 Women’s Veteran 70 Women’s Epée National Championships & April North American Cup.
Competitive Fencing with Heart and Soul!
Repeat after us:
We train to challenge the best, the rest is just B.S.!
We’re looking for driven individuals who would like to learn competitive epee fencing and want to improve their skills for self-improvement and a love of the game!
Our Coaches
At MoDuel, our coaches are the program.
We’re not running a big “industrial” program where you’re just “generic student 23”. You’re a real person that wants to learn how to fence. No getting lost in a crowd, no nonsense about a program’s tradition, just real, quality coaching!
Jeff Safko, Head Coach
Head Coach Jeff Safko is the founder of Modern Duelists and the brain behind the MoDuel Method. He’s been fencing for over 20 years and coaching for 18 of those. In his time as a coach, he’s earned a certification as a moniteur d’epee with the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) and led his students to incredible success: “A” ratings, regional and national medals, youth and veteran national points, and more. He brings a unique, high-energy approach to instruction that is both fun and extremely effective. If you’re working with Coach Jeff, be prepared to sweat!
Ryleigh Sweet, Coach
Coach Ryleigh is one of Modern Duelists’ original members and has nearly a decade of experience under her belt, during which time she’s worked her way up to becoming a prominent coach. She’s a very active competitor on both the regional and national circuits and is known for a fencing game that is extremely energetic and overpowering.
Justin Tirrell, Coach
Coach Justin joined Modern Duelists in 2015 after fencing with the University of Delaware and has since gone on to become one of the club’s strongest fencers. He is truly passionate about the sport and enjoys sharing his competitive know-how with other fencers. His fencing game is known throughout the program for featuring lightning-fast attacks. Coach Justin is also a certified referee with USA Fencing.
Fence with Us
Are you ready to start training with us? We’d love to have you!
Fencing As a Beginner
Please call or send us a message to let us know you’re interested! We’ll share available options, answer any questions you might have, and help you get started in this amazing sport.
Beginner Fencers
Are you starting fencing for the first time? If you’re ready to train hard, we’re ready to teach. We accept new beginner students on a rolling basis. Please inquire about when our next beginner session will start!
Experienced Fencers
Are you a fencer with previous experience looking to try the MoDuel Method or to join us for open bouting? Contact us to learn more about our availability.
YOUTH FENCERS
MoDuel is now offering youth fencing classes for students ages 8-12! Contact us to learn more.
Class Schedule
Events for April
29th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Adult Intro to Fencing Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
Open Bouting
- MoDuel Staff
Events for April
30th
Youth Intro to Fencing Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
Cadet Intro to Fencing Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
Drill Session
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Open Bouting
- MoDuel Staff
Events for May
1st
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
2nd
Events for May
3rd
Events for May
4th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
5th
Events for May
6th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
7th
Events for May
8th
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
9th
Events for May
10th
Events for May
11th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
12th
Events for May
13th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
14th
Events for May
15th
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
16th
Events for May
17th
Events for May
18th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
19th
Events for May
20th
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
21st
Events for May
22nd
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
23rd
Events for May
24th
Events for May
25th
Events for May
26th
Events for May
27th
Events for May
28th
Events for May
29th
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Senior Training Class
- Coach Ryleigh Sweet
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for May
30th
Events for May
31st
Events for June
1st
Open Bouting
- MoDuel Staff
Adult Intro to Fencing Class
- MoDuel Staff
Drill Session
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Strength & Mobility
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Cardio & Conditioning
- MoDuel Staff
- Coach Justin Tirrell
Youth Intro to Fencing Class
- MoDuel Staff
Cadet Intro to Fencing Class
- MoDuel Staff
Our Students
So what kind of person fences, and what kind of person trains at MoDuel? The short answer is that there is no one kind of person that fences with us. Our students come from all walks of life: all backgrounds, all ages (8+), all genders, and all levels of experience and athleticism. We have elite athletes and reformed couch potatoes, teenagers and retirees, complete beginners and national medalists.
Here’s what all of our fencers do have in common: We’re fighters. We have an unwavering dedication to self-improvement, to finding out how far we can push ourselves and how good we can get. We find joy in putting in the hard work. We see our teammates and our community as a vital part of the process, and we know we couldn’t improve without them. They push us to be better, and we do the same in return. We fence not because we love the results but because we love the journey..
Fencing News & Resources
Spring Schedule Changes Coming to MoDuel!
We have big updates coming to the schedule starting in March! This includes some completely new classes, some changes to existing class times, and some changes to how we determine class eligibility. Jump to... Class eligibility Intro to Fencing classes Training...
Upcoming Fencing Tournaments: October 2022
Looking for upcoming epee fencing tournaments in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey area? Check out our comprehensive list of epee tournaments coming up in October 2022.
Upcoming Fencing Tournaments: May 2022
Looking for upcoming fencing tournaments in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey area? Check out our comprehensive list of epee tournaments coming up in May 2022.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you schedule private lessons? How long are they?
Lessons are scheduled throughout the day Monday – Thursday & Saturday afternoons. Beginner lessons are only available after 4pm Monday – Thursday & Saturday afternoons.
Lessons are typically 20 minutes but can be scheduled in longer blocks upon request.
What equipment do I need to purchase?
Established fencers need to have their own passable gear to participate in any programming. Beginners may use club gear at no additional cost, and will gradually acquire their own personal gear under the supervision of coaches who will ensure correct fit, safety, and compliance with current fencing rules.
Do I need to have previous experience?
No experience is required to begin fencing! As long as you’re willing to train hard, we accept students of all levels of experience and athleticism.
Am I too young/old to start fencing?
We only accept students aged eight and up, however, we have no maximum age. Our fencers range in age from 8-70+ and we have a large community of adult fencers!
Do you teach foil/saber fencing, HEMA, or any other types of swordfighting?
We are an epee-only program and have no plans to expand into other weapons or historical swordfighting.
Contact Us
(267) 966-5610
info@modernduelists.com
Location
505 Blueball Road
Building 205
Elkton, MD 21921
We are located in the Triumph Industrial Park.
© 2023 Modern Duelists Fencing Academy. All rights reserved.