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Golden Gate Fencing Center

Before you storm the parapets or raid your next Spanish galleon, drop by the Golden Gate Fencing Center and pick up a few (literal) pointers. The staff of former Olympic coaches and national team fencers trains both novice and experienced swordspersons in the art of the foil (a thin, blunted sword for thrusting) and epee (a heavier, stiffer sword) through tactical drills, footwork, directed bouting, and physical fitness. Men's and women's epee classes are held Monday nights, foil classes Thursday nights, or you can sign up for individual private lessons at $30 apiece, equipment included. (There are also kids' classes and week-long half-day camps throughout the summer for budding buccaneers.) The center features an equipment shop and two gymnasiums with seating for spectators, and if you've really got the blood of Don Diego Vega coursing through your veins, sign up for the intensive year-long Olympic-level training program and you just might find yourself defending a maiden's honor — or at least getting a little booty.