Summer 2025
EXTON pre-summer nationals training camp
Elevate Your Game at Our Exclusive Fencing Camp!
Join us for the “Pre-Summer Nationals” elite fencing camp, a unique opportunity for fencers to reach peak competitive form for Summer Nationals! Over four days, participants will receive elite coaching from Coach Ben Bratton, head coach of NYU, and Dwight Smith, head coach of Long Island University.
HANDS-ON TRAINING
Engage in personalized instruction and drills tailored to your skill level, focusing on essential techniques and advanced strategies.
Expert Insights
Learn from experienced coaches who have a deep understanding of national-level fencing, gaining valuable tips on training regimens, competition preparation, and the competition process.
Mock Competitions
Participate in a series of controlled matches and a round-robin tournament, simulating the competition fencing experience while receiving constructive feedback to improve your performance.
Mental Conditioning
Discover mental strategies to enhance focus, resilience, and tactical thinking during competitions, essential skills for success at any level.
Team Dynamics
Understand the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in a collegiate setting, fostering connections with fellow fencers that can last a lifetime
This camp is for athletes with at least one year of experience and with regular competition at the Regional, National and International levels.
2025 Pre-SUMMER NATIONALS Camp
WHEN
June 23rd – June 26th | 10am – 4pm
WHERE
Revolution Fencing Center
260 Exton Square Parkway
Exton, PA 19341
WHO
Epee only. This camp is for individuals aged 13+ with at least one year of experience and with regular competition at the Regional, National and International levels
Coach Benjamin Bratton – New York University Head Coach
Coach Ben is one of the most decorated épée fencers in U.S. history, and has won multiple national championships in Seniors, Juniors, and Cadets. Coach Ben served as the Olympic alternate in Men’s Épée at the 2016 Olympic Games. He competed on 8 Senior World Championship teams, won the silver medal in the team event in 2010, won the first in gold in the history of United States Fencing in 2012, and ranking as high as 30th in the world in Men’s Épée. As part of the Pan American Championship Teams, Coach Ben competed in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, and 2010; winning the individual bronze in 2017, team gold in 2015, and team gold in 2011. In 2012 Coach Ben became the first African-American fencer to win a World Championship title as a member of the U.S. Men’s Épée Team; together they became the first-ever Men’s Fencing Team to win gold at the World Team Championships in American fencing history.
A graduate of St. John’s University, Coach Ben brings over a decade of experience as a youth coach with the Peter Westbrook Foundation, a nonprofit that works with inner city youth in New York City. Coach Ben founded Fencing 101, an outreach program that brings introductory fencing programs to schools in NYC. Coach Ben is the New York University varsity head coach. Ben will lead classes in Chester County, where he lives with his wife and two sons.
Coach Dwight Smith – Long Island University Head Coach
Dwight Smith ascended to the head coach role with the LIU fencing programs in January 2024. His resume includes being selected the Assistant Coach of the Year by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Smith, who still fences competitively, was a three-time All-American while at Columbia as well as a four-time USA National Team member. In 2021, he was an Olympic alternate for USA Fencing, and traveled with the team as a training partner to Tokyo. He has medaled at multiple national championships, including a silver in 2015, and earned bronze at the 2019 North America Cup Olympic qualifier.
In 2023, Smith was selected national assistant coach of men’s epee for USA Fencing.