Fencing Academy of Philadelphia North
2026 Preseason Camp
For Foilists, Sabrists, Épéeists, and Pentathletes
We are delighted to announce that North’s 2026 preseason camps will welcome FAOP athletes as well as a limited number of qualified guest athletes.
Youth & Cadet Fencing Camps
These camps will help intermediate youth and cadet fencers build a strong technical and competitive foundation. Training will focus on developing agility and strength, footwork, bladework, tactical decision-making, and bout awareness through structured, coach-led sessions in a high-energy and supportive environment.
Competitor Fencing Camp
This camp is designed for experienced regional competitors preparing for the upcoming season and higher-level competition. Conditioning will focus on developing agility and strength; training will stress advanced tactical planning, bout strategy, pacing, and decision-making under pressure, with a focus on consistency, competitive habits, and performance readiness. Special emphasis on strengthening tactical focus in last-minute and overtime bouting situations.
2026 Preseason Camp
SCHEDULE
9:30 AM–5:30 PM Daily
Youth Camp: (Ages 8–12)
Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
Cadet Camp: (Ages 13+)
Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
Competitor Camp: (All ages)
Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21
ELIGIBILITY
Youth & Cadet Camps are open to intermediate and above fencers of all weapons. Competitor Camp is for regional-level fencers or higher, or by coach invitation. Pentathletes, college fencers, and vet fencers are welcome.
LOCATION
Fencing Academy of Philadelphia North
Wyncote, PA
INSTRUCTORS
Mark Masters, Lara Masters & James Gallagher
Coaching Roster
Maestro Mark Masters
Maître d’Armes
Founder and Head Coach of FAOP since 1989, Maestro has taught countless successful fencers, developed coaches, and created curricula for teaching fencing and coaching that have become standard throughout the American fencing world. Maestro taught Pentathlete Sam Sackson OLY (2008 Beijing Summer Games). Masters has coached fencers to world champion in foil, sabre, and épée and in Cadet, Junior, Senior, and Vet classes. Maestro was the primary teacher and coach of Delia Turner, 2011 World Champion in Vet Women’s Sabre; Graham Wicas, 2007 World Champion in Cadet Men’s Épée; and Maia Weintraub OLY, 2022 World Champion in Team Women’s Foil, and 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist in Team Women’s Foil.
Coach Lara Masters
Maître d’Armes
With over thirty years of teaching experience, Coach Lara Masters is Director of Programming at FAOP-North. Coach Masters was NCAA Women’s Foil Team Champion for Wayne State University. She has competed as an individual at every level, from local to international level events, making several national finals in both foil and epee. Coach Masters coached Emily de Riel OLY, Team USA’s 2000 Pentathlon silver medalist, and has developed many regional and national finalists and champions throughout her career.
Special Guest Coach
James Gallagher
PA Certified Laser Shooting Instructor
Coach James, a retired law enforcement officer, fenced Vet Men’s Épée and will instruct athletes in the Pentathlon program on marksmanship.
Location
Fencing Academy of Philadelphia North
827 Glenside Ave, Suite #201
Wyncote, PA 19095
To Join North Preseason Camps
Parents/guardians of guest athletes, please call 215-770-2722 and/or drop your contact info below!