info@modernduelists.com | (267) 966-5610

505 Blueball Road, Building 205, Elkton, MD 21921

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy

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!

(267) 966-5610 | info@modernduelists.com
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

December 2023

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Events for November

27th

Events for November

28th

Events for November

29th

Events for November

30th

Events for December

1st

No Events
Events for December

2nd

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Conditioning Class

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy
  • Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for December

3rd

No Events
Events for December

4th

Events for December

5th

Events for December

6th

Events for December

7th

Events for December

8th

No Events
Events for December

9th

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Conditioning Class

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy
  • Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for December

10th

Events for December

11th

Events for December

12th

Events for December

13th

Events for December

14th

Events for December

15th

No Events
Events for December

16th

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Conditioning Class

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy
  • Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for December

17th

No Events
Events for December

18th

Events for December

19th

Events for December

20th

Events for December

21st

Events for December

22nd

No Events
Events for December

23rd

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Conditioning Class

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy
  • Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for December

24th

No Events
Events for December

25th

Events for December

26th

Events for December

27th

Events for December

28th

Events for December

29th

No Events
Events for December

30th

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Conditioning Class

Modern Duelists Fencing Academy
  • Coach Justin Tirrell
Events for December

31st

No Events

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

Upcoming Fencing Tournaments: November 2023

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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. 

Hours

Summer 2023
Monday - Wednesday: 6:30PM - 10PM
Saturday: 10AM - 3PM

Class & Event Calendar

© 2023 Modern Duelists Fencing Academy. All rights reserved.