From Beginner to World CHampion Since 1989
Fencing Academy of Philadelphia
The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia Program
Founded in 1989 by Mark and Lara Masters, The Fencing Academy of Philadelphia is dedicated to teaching the art of fencing to students between the ages of 8-80. Since its founding, the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia has produced 3 world champions, numerous national champions, senior, junior and cadet world team members, countless NCAA All-Americans, hobbyists, and more.
Our Philadelphia Fencing coaches
A good program means nothing without good coaches. Our Philadelphia fencing coaches have a combined 100+ years of coaching experience, dozens of certifications, and countless national and international medals. More than that, our coaches care—about you as a fencer, an athlete, and a person.
Why Fencing?
More than the physical attributes of speed, power, strength, balance, agility and endurance, fencing training enhances mental skills: concentration, determination, tactical thinking, pattern analysis, decision making and the courage to act; all of these are developed during training and under competitive pressure. A fencer is not just a physical athlete; speed and strength mean little if you don’t choose the correct moment to act.
A less physically gifted fencer can defeat a bigger, stronger opponent with superior tactical thinking. FAP’s training program is designed to systematically develop all the necessary qualities for a beginner to become a champion: in life and fencing.
FENCING FOR EVERYONE
All ages. All genders. All bodies. All backgrounds.
Many people wonder whether they can really fence or if the fencing community is welcoming to individuals like them. People worry about whether they’re fit enough for fencing, whether past injuries may hold them back, whether they have a body type that lends itself well to the sport, or whether neurodiverse students can be successful. People also have absorbed many dated stereotypes about fencing being a sport only for people of wealth.
At Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, you’ll discover a welcoming and down-to-earth environment, athletes with diverse identities, and coaches ready and able to support a wide array of athletes with all kinds of sports backgrounds. Students arrive at beginning classes with a broad range of fitness, confidence, and learning styles; we can support almost all of them. If you study fencing videos of top fencers, or come visit the club and see our athletes in action, you’ll realize there is no single physical “type.” Everyone has a body and we pride ourselves on being able to help just about everyone become faster, stronger, more nimble, better able to read and predict opponents … and, along the way, happier, healthier, and more accomplished. Welcome!