Established in 2008, the Bellingham Bay Fencing Club offers classes to participants of all levels ages 7 and up!   Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay in shape, or are interested in a competitive sport, fencing offers a unique experience for serious and casual athletes alike.  Our classes focus on Epee fencing, with Foil and Sabre available at our open weekly fencing sessions.

We have all the equipment needed to get started, look forward to meeting you soon!

En Garde!

Meet our coaches!

Rance Bayman – Head Coach

Rance has been a fencing enthusiast for the past 30 years and established the BBFA as an independent club in 2008.   He taught fencing classes through the local parks and rec for several years before launching the BBFA.   Rance has had the privilege of studying with renown coach Leon Auriol in Seattle WA and was an active competitor on the WA state fencing circuit for many years.   Rance teaches our weekly classes and loves sharing his passion for fencing with others.

Michael Allen – Assistant Coach

Michael has been fencing since 1984, and coaching since 1995.  He is a past member of Spokane Fencers Unlimited, and currently is the Coach for WWU Fencing Club.

He believes fencing is based on a very real thing: “Not dying in a sword fight”, and takes his passions and drive for knowledge in Historical European Martial Arts to help educate modern fencers and those wishing to explore historical weapons & methods.

He regularly fences foil, epee, sabre and tinkers about with court sword, rapier and singlestick. In his free time he can be found constructing full-size fencing dummies for the BBFA and home use, training in heavy weapons in his backyard, reading historical fencing treatises, or cycling/running all over Bellingham.

BJ Block – Assistant Coach

BJ began fencing with the BBFA and quickly developed a passion for the sport.   He is an active competitor on the local WA circuit, and currently studies with renown coach Victor Gantsevich and Eric Boisse at the Dynamo Fencing club in Richmond BC.  BJ loves working with young fencers and teaches private lessons on Thursday evenings.