San Francisco Fencers' Club, Belmont

Since it was founded in 2006, San Francisco Fencers Club has weathered a furious storm of praise. For the past three years it has been named a top contender for The Bay Area A List's Best Sport and Social Club, and it took the number one spot in 2010. It has also nurtured many star pupils, some of whom have earned top spots at the World Cup, snagged national medals, and been accepted to top schools, including Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, Duke, and Vassar.

Behind each champion stands the club's team of seasoned coaches. These teachers keep class sizes small, so they can help students achieve technical excellence while emphasizing the importance of having fun and making friends. Classes take place atop contemporary, sprung, wood fencing floors, and points are tallied by an electronic scoring system, as opposed to a giant abacus hanging from the ceiling.