La Jolla Fencing Academy Camp

The beginner camp uses a progressive introduction to fencing fundamentals. Coaches work with campers on footwork, blade work, coordination, and basic strategy, using drills and skill-based games before moving into supervised sparring and bouting. The program is designed for first-time fencers as well as students with up to one year of experience, so the emphasis stays on building a strong foundation rather than assuming advanced knowledge.

Each camp morning follows a practical training rhythm. After drop-off, the first block focuses on fencing games, footwork, and drills. A short snack break divides the morning, followed by more drills, physical conditioning, and bouting before pickup. Alongside physical skills, campers are introduced to fencing history, rules, etiquette, and sportsmanship. The academy connects these lessons to the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and excellence.

Training takes place on a dedicated fencing floor with electric and wooden strips. Campers are expected to arrive in a T-shirt, sweat pants, and indoor non-marking athletic shoes, with water plus a bagged lunch and snack. A parent or guardian must submit the required safety waiver before camp, and walk-ins are not allowed.

Campers should bring a healthy bagged lunch and snack, along with bottled water. The published camp itinerary includes a short snack break during the morning. The camp page does not describe provided meals or snacks, so families should plan to send the food and water their child needs for the session.

Fencers are expected to follow the academy’s safety and conduct rules throughout training. Required protective gear includes a mask, jacket, underarm protector, long pants, and glove when fencing, and masks must stay on whenever weapons are raised. Warm-up and stretching are required before practice, rough play and dangerous actions are prohibited, and fencers must stop immediately if equipment appears broken or if an opponent signals to stop. The fencing floor is restricted to participants, while non-participants stay in the observation area. The academy also requires students to inspect masks and weapons, use proper clean athletic shoes, and report unsafe behavior to an instructor. For camp attendance, a parent or guardian must submit the required safety waiver at least 24 hours before camp begins, and walk-ins are not allowed.

Any illness, injury, or medical problem must be reported to an instructor before a lesson or practice begins, or during the student’s time at the academy. The published information does not describe on-site medical staff, medication administration, or a separate camp health clinic.

Beginner campers are introduced to fencing by professional coaches with national, international, and Olympic-level backgrounds. The academy’s coaching staff includes founder and head coach Dmitriy Guy, a former Soviet Union National Champion and former U.S. national team coach, along with coaches who have competed at Olympic, World Championship, NCAA, national, and international levels. The academy describes its coaching approach as serving fencers from beginners through elite competitors, with instruction focused on fencing technique, tactics, athlete development, and progressive skill building.

Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with student drop-off at the start and pickup at the end of the session. Families should send a healthy bagged lunch and snack, bottled water, and a T-shirt to change into. Campers must wear T-shirts, sweat pants, and indoor non-marking athletic sneakers. A parent or guardian must complete and email the required safety waiver at least 24 hours before camp begins. Walk-ins are not allowed. The academy is located in the La Jolla/UTC area inside La Jolla Village Square.