LionHeart Academy

LionHeart organizes camp around focused three-hour training blocks. Morning sessions run from 9:00 AM to noon, afternoon sessions from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and the full-day option combines both blocks with a supervised lunch hour. Campers begin with dynamic warm-ups, then move into technique work, drills, challenges, partner activities, and games suited to the day’s sport.

Archery instruction uses recurve bows and real arrows. Campers practice stance, aiming, drawing, releasing, and accuracy, then apply those skills in precision challenges and friendly competitions. Fencing introduces Olympic-style footwork, bladework, rules, strategy, and electric scoring. Partner exercises and fencing games lead toward controlled sparring, with campers wearing full protective gear. During the special medieval martial arts week, participants use safe foam-padded weapons to learn historical techniques, movement drills, team strategies, and the program’s code of courage, respect, and honor.

Beginners do not need previous experience. The academy provides the specialized equipment needed for camp, including bows, foils, masks, and safety gear. Fencing and archery participants must also obtain the applicable free trial membership identified by the camp and bring the temporary membership card on the first day.

Full-day campers should bring a nut-free bag lunch. LionHeart provides a supervised lunch hour between the morning and afternoon instruction blocks. Campers are also asked to bring a refillable water bottle for hydration. The published camp information does not list a provided meal service, snacks, or other food options.

Certified coaches supervise camp activities and enforce discipline, etiquette, and strict equipment protocols. Fencing participants use professional-grade protective gear that includes masks, chest protectors, and arm guards, and sparring is described as friendly, controlled, and supervised. The camp also uses age-appropriate groups and states that it maintains a low student-to-coach ratio. Campers must wear closed-toe athletic shoes, and comfortable athletic clothing is recommended.

LionHeart’s camp materials describe certified instructors leading the fencing and archery programs. The academy’s instructor page highlights Maestro Stuart Lee, a former divisional foil and epee champion and former head coach of UC San Diego’s NCAA fencing teams. He holds a kinesiology degree and Fencing Master certifications from the British Academy of Fencing and the United States Fencing Coaches Association. The academy also describes its coaches as award-winning and able to work with novices as well as competitive athletes. Camp materials state that instructors supervise activities using strict safety and equipment protocols.

Campers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and mandatory closed-toe athletic shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle. Long athletic pants are recommended for fencing. Specialized camp equipment is provided, including bows, foils, masks, and other safety gear. Full-day campers should also bring a nut-free bag lunch. Fencing campers need the camp’s required free USA Fencing trial membership, and archery campers need the corresponding free USA Archery trial membership; the temporary membership card should be brought on the first day.