About the SoCal Division

SoCal Division territory: The counties of Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles, except for the cities of La Verne, San Dimas, Pomona, and Diamond Bar (which belong to the San Bernardino Division), and the area south of the 91 freeway and east of the 710 freeway (which belongs to the Orange Coast Division).

The Southern California Division of USA Fencing (SoCal, for short) is the official governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing in the California counties of Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles (map). Since our formation in 1922, it has been our mission to develop, promote, and support the sport of fencing within our territory. At present, the SoCal Division comprises over 20 fencing clubs, and more than 1,400 members.

The SoCal Division provides official sanctioning for fencing tournaments organized by member fencing clubs, subject to USA Fencing rules and regulations. Sanctioned tournaments are insured by USA Fencing and give fencers an opportunity to earn nationally-recognized ratings (A-E). The Division itself runs two qualifying tournaments each year where SoCal fencers can qualify for national-level championships. The Junior Olympic Qualifier (Junior and Cadet) is held every December, and the Summer Nationals Qualifier (Div II, Div III, and Y-14) is held every March.

Choose your weapon: Distribution of weapons in the SoCal Division based on tournament entries.

The Division keeps and maintains an inventory of grounded strips and scoring equipment (scoring machines, reels, weights, shims, etc.) which is made available to local tournament organizers for a small rental fee. For more information, please consult our Schedule of Fees & Policies.

The SoCal Division is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. It is managed by an all-volunteer board of directors which meets several times a year. All SoCal members are welcome to attend these meetings. Please check the Calendar page for dates and locations. Members 18 and over can vote in the elections for officers and club representatives that are held every July.

Saber: Benjamin Kim (Avant Garde Fencers Club) goes airborne against Joshua Li (Z Fencing LA) at the 2017 Summer Nationals Qualifier.

Anyone with an interest in fencing is encouraged to join USA Fencing. Members who reside within SoCal’s boundaries will simultaneously become members of the Division. Competitive members have the privilege of competing in numerous, officially sanctioned fencing tournaments held each year all across the United States, and receive a subscription to American Fencing magazine. More information about becoming a member can be found here.

SoCal Division Board of Directors