OUR MISSION
San Francisco Fencing Academy brings the sport of fencing and parafencing to all
individuals, providing innovative, world class instruction, while meeting the needs of
each student. We believe fencing is a sport for all people, of all ages, and all abilities.
- Fencing strengthens the body while sharpening the mind, and we believe students of all abilities can and should benefit from this.
- Fencing provides life lessons that empower all students on and off the piste.
- We honor students varied learning styles/ ways of processing, and are skilled at communicating concepts to a variety of learners.
- We support students on their journey whether on the road to gold, or to enjoy the recreational health benefits.
- Neurodiverse learners are welcomed and encouraged to grow at SFFA.
- We believe in fair and open communication, and foster an atmosphere of growth, mutual respect, and good sportsmanship.
2024 🤺 SUMMER CAMPS
Our awesome summer camps are back! Join us for fencing, fitness, & FUN!
| All camp sessions Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Recreational camps for beginners and youth ages: 8 - 17 Weekly Fencing Summer Camp Session Cost: $300 per week. |
Dates |
|---|---|
| Competitive Fencing Summer Camp Session 1 | June 17 - June 21 |
| Recreational Fencing Summer Camp Session 1 | June 24 - June 28 |
| Recreational Fencing Summer Camp Session 2 | July 8 - July 12 |
| Recreational Fencing Summer Camp Session 3 | July 15 - July 19 |
| Recreational Fencing Summer Camp Session 4 | July 22 - July 26 |
| Recreational Fencing Summer Camp Session 5 | July 29 - Aug 2 |
| Competitive Fencing Summer Camp Session 2 | Aug 5 - Aug 9 |
SUMMER SCHEDULES
| Time | Tues | Weds |
|---|---|---|
| 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. | YOUTH FOIL | YOUTH EPEE |
| 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. | ADULT FOIL | ADULT EPEE |
COACHES
Brandon Smith
Epee and Foil Coach
Brandon is a dynamic and creative fencing coach with over a decade of coaching experience. He has focused on coaching Epee and Foil, while also giving instruction in Sabre, and has coached both standup fencing, and parafencing (wheelchair fencing). Brandon has trained many students to national and international medals, as well as coached Paralympians.
As a coach, Brandon focuses not only on the fundamental aspects of fencing, but also the fun. He believes in a holistic approach - teaching strength and conditioning, proper breathing, mental resilience - and a cross training approach drawing from other combat sports. He believes that everything taught on the piste, can be taken off the piste and applied to aspects of daily life.
Whether new to the sport, or a veteran fencer, training with Brandon will elevate your game.
Stacey Breidenstein
Yoga Instructor & Nutrition Specialist
Stacey is a yoga teacher with the goal of meeting people where they are at in their body and mind journey. She has been a student of yoga for over 30 years immersing herself in the study of hatha yoga in the late 90’s / early 2000’s, but was introduced to meditation and breathing techniques as a child by her mom.
She continued her teacher training in the alignment based Anusara Yoga in Jackson WY and Salt Lake City UT. Stacey found her true calling after completing Accessible Yoga School training - learning that you can practice yoga from a chair, a bed, a wheelchair, against a wall, or a combination of all these spaces.
Breathing exercises and meditation are incorporated in every class, as is invitational language (it’s your practice and you get to choose your effort level). Options and variations are given for all physical poses. As Stacey likes to say, “Yoga class isn’t a performance, it’s a place to meet yourself with compassion.”
Elevate Your Life With Fencing. University Admissions + Fencing as an Extracurricular Activity
Many colleges and universities have fencing teams, clubs, or organizations. Fencing can show employers, or college admissions officers that you have the ability to work with and lead a team, manage your time effectively, and deal with stress in a healthy and productive way.
FAQ's
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What should I expect on my first day of class?
After you sign up, please feel free to attend the next class on the schedule. On your first day of fencing class, you will receive an introduction to foil and epee fencing. We will go over fencing rules, techniques, and the basics based on your skill level. Overall, the first day of fencing class will be a great opportunity to try out a new sport, learn new skills, and meet new people. If attending camp, students should bring lunch and quick snacks for the day, as well as a sports drink bottle for hydration.
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How do I sign up for Access level U.S. Fencing Membership?
Access level memberships through U.S. Fencing are $29/year and allow for all local tournaments and divisional qualifiers. In addition, the Access level covers accidental coverage. To sign up for a U.S. Fencing Access level membership, please visit: https://member.usafencing.org/membership-types
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What about fencing equipment?
For the first month of fencing classes, all necessary equipment will be provided by our club. This includes a mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. However, if you are interested in continuing with fencing beyond the first month, we highly encourage you to invest in your own equipment. This will not only allow you to practice and train outside of class, but it will also ensure that you have properly fitting and well-maintained equipment. The basic equipment you will need to purchase includes a fencing mask, jacket, glove, and weapon. We can provide recommendations and guidance on purchasing equipment, and we have a variety of options available for purchase at our club along with member discounts.
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What should I wear to fencing class?
Based on fencing best practices, it's recommended to wear sweatpants, leggings, track-suit type wear (avoid wearing jeans), sneakers with shoe laces for proper support and stability, and a t-shirt. It's also important to choose clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking materials to help keep you cool and dry during your workout. Additionally, make sure to avoid any clothing that could potentially get caught in gym equipment or restrict your movement. For both camp and class, there will be floor exercises and cool downs, and students are welcome to bring a towel or yoga mat. Students should also bring hair ties, hair bands, scrunchies, or bandannas to keep hair away from their eyes if needed.
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Are there age limits for fencing training and fencing tournaments?
The United States Fencing Association (USFA) organizes fencing competitions and tournaments for all age groups, including those in the age bracket of 6 - 87 years old. These competitions are open to both beginners and experienced fencers. The USFA has a range of different events and categories, including individual and team events, foil, epee, sabre, and age-specific events. San Francisco Fencing Academy is open to new, or experienced fencers aged 6 - 87. Being a member of San Francisco Fencing Academy, as well as United States Fencing Association allows the student to compete in tournaments if they want to.
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What amenities are available at the club?
The gym features competition-level metal/rubber mats, which are ideal for running drills, training, and holding multiple sparring matches. The club amenities include a waiting lounge area, restrooms, and equipment storage. There is also a refrigerator available for storing sport drinks, protein shakes, snacks, and food, as well as a water cooler dispenser to keep you hydrated during your workout. Additionally, there is a toaster oven available for use. Overall, these amenities provide a comfortable and convenient environment for members to train and stay nourished before, during, and after their workout.
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What are the benefits of fencing?
There are many benefits to learning the sport of fencing! First and foremost, it's a great way to stay physically active and improve your overall fitness. Fencing is a full-body workout that can help improve your strength, agility, balance, and coordination. It's also a great cardiovascular exercise that can help improve your endurance and stamina.
In addition to the physical benefits, fencing also offers many mental benefits. It requires a great deal of focus, concentration, and quick thinking, which can help improve your cognitive abilities and decision-making skills. Fencing also teaches discipline, sportsmanship, and respect for your opponent, which can be valuable life skills both on and off the fencing strip.
Finally, fencing is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're looking to compete at a high level or just looking for a new hobby, fencing can provide a challenging and rewarding experience.
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How do I change, pause or cancel my membership?
For membership changes, please let us know here: manager@sffencingacademy.com