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Swordplay LA’s Youth Competitive Program
Swordplay LA is a place of learning, dedicated to fostering the athletic, academic, social, and fun aspects of the sport of fencing. We believe that fencers owe it to themselves, their training partners, and their opponents to give it their all. When the bout is over, regardless of the outcome, Swordplay LA fencers and coaches conduct themselves with dignity, grace, and humility. Swordplay LA teaches that every bout, won or lost by a lot or a little, is an opportunity to learn something about fencing or about yourself; every opponent is a potential teacher. Everyone within the Swordplay LA community is required to treat one another, as well as everyone in the broader fencing community such as referees and fencers from other clubs, with respect, courtesy, and humility.
How does our competitive program work and who is it for?
Swordplay LA's Youth Competitive program begins with building a strong foundation in fencing fundamentals through the beginner core curriculum (Yellow & Green Blades), where students learn the basics and rules of the sport while preparing to acquire their own gear. As students progress, they continue to develop their skills through advanced training, private lessons, and athletic conditioning, whether they aim to compete or simply want to take their fencing to the next level. Those who choose to compete must join the USFA, sign the Team Swordplay Code of Conduct, and obtain official team gear, marking their readiness for tournaments. New to fencing? Start with our recreational program to build your foundation.
Swordplay LA Philosophy
What makes our program different?
Swordplay LA’s mission is to help all of our students become the best fencers and best-rounded human beings that they can be, through disciplined and focused training. As coaches and trainers, our team aspires to help all students set, reach, and celebrate their goals. In doing so, we actively make space for and work with those who want to fence at a recreational level as well as those who aspire for elite competitive success.
Two generations.
Who is Swordplay?
Swordplay LA competitive fencing team is under the leadership of coaches Al Carter and Mary Spohn. Al was Mary’s first competitive coach, guiding her to two national medals. She became one of the top female foilists in the country, was a 4 time National finalist, earning a Div 1 scholarship competing for Northwestern University. Her time there she earned a conference championship and All American Honorable Mention. Now, Mary & Al reunite to bring their combined expertise to a new generation of fencers. Al’s extensive experience includes training in Italy under the renowned Maestro Livio DiRosa, competing on seven World Teams, and helping the U.S. secure a top world ranking. He also earned four National Titles, a Pan-American Games Silver Medal, and All-American & All-Ivy League honors. As a coach, Al has consistently developed top national and international athletes. This partnership marks a new era for Swordplay LA’s competitive team, blending world-class experience with a passion for training the next generation of youth who want to develop athletic and lifelong skill.
Level Up Foundation
We have more than doubled our competitive program this season and we are want to support our fencers in pursuing their fencing goals! Level Up Foundation was founded by Swordplay LA coaches Victoria Chalk & Mary Spohn with the goal in mind to make fencing a more accessible sport by all. Our foundation has helped support our fencers in travel to national events, gear purchases and much more.
Mission: Level Up Foundation was created to help all of our students thrive in a sport which historically has been difficult to access for underserved communities. By providing our fencers with a space that inspires athletic and character growth while building a community, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to perform their best in competition and in life.
Meet Your Coaches
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Mary Sola Spohn
Competitive Foil Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
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Dan Robitzski
Competitive Epee Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
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Al Carter
Competitive Foil Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
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Victoria Chalk
Assistant Competitive Foil Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
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Payton Lawton
Athletic Trainer
Advice for Fencing Parents
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There are many advantages to being a student athlete. Besides the health benefits of regular exercise, stress relief, and learning to balance a full schedule, student athletes have a lot of resources available to them throughout their college experience that will set them up for success after they graduate from college. The most critical thing that student athletes can learn is being able to focus and complete tasks under pressure and work well in a team environment, which will be crucial to life after graduation, especially in the workplace.
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We recommend only practicing at home once a student has built a good foundation of the basics to avoid developing bad habits. The best thing to do is focus on additional activities that will help develop balance, coordination and overall fitness. This will help accelerate your child’s progress.
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The best thing you could do for your child is remain in the role as the parent and leaving the coaching to the coaches. Supoorting your child’s emotional needs and continuing to be a cheerleader is the best thing you can do. We also encourage parents to learn the rules and learn the basics of fencing so you know what you are watching.
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Absolutely. One of the best things about Swordplay LA is we are one of the only clubs in Los Angeles that do not require you to compete or sign any type of competitive contracts upon signing up. You can learn and enjoy the sport at your own pace and if you decide you would like to fence competitively, there is an option for you.
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
If a student does not pay for a session in advance and cancels their reservation less than 24 hours in advance or does not attend, they will owe a cancellation fee. If they did pay in advance and cancel less than 24 hours in advance or does not attend, they will forfeit a lesson or class credit. Cancellation fee is $20.
We will waive the cancellation fee or credit forfeiture in the case of an illness or personal emergency.
What should I wear when I’m fencing?
If you wouldn’t wear it to the gym, you shouldn’t wear it when you’re fencing. In other words, fencers of any experience level should wear athletic shirts, sweats or leggings, and any sport shoe with good grip. Gym shorts are also acceptable, but the fencer wears them at the risk of minor cuts or bruises.
While competitive fencers must own a pair of fencing knickers, they are not required to wear them when practicing at Swordplay LA. But we do highly encourage wearing them if they’re new to you, if only so you can get used to fencing in them.
Do I need to buy my own fencing gear?
If you’re just starting out, you get to use all our gear for free! If you stick around after your first four sessions, you are required to purchase a glove, mask, foil, chest protector and jacket.
How much does it cost to buy my own fencing gear?
The final cost of your fencing equipment depends on what brands you choose to buy. If you plan on fencing frequently or competitively, we recommend investing in high-quality fencing gear. If you only plan on fencing once a week, you can buy equipment of average quality. Just talk to an office manager the next time you’re at the club to learn more about buying your own gear.
What does it take to fence competitively?
Practice. Practice. Practice. And lots of gear. The more you train the more comfortable you will be in a competitive setting. Competitions are for all ages and genders starting from ages 8+. You will need all of your own gear and a United States Fencing Association Competitive membership to fence which can be purchased on an annual basis. Every tournament is practice for the next.
How often should I train?
It depends on your personal goals. Those on a competitive track should be training at a higher frequency: At least two-three private lessons a week and two-three group classes, sometimes even more. If you are just fencing recreationally you have the leisure of booking private lessons and attending classes at your own pace and budget.
Should I take private lessons or classes?
The quickest way to progress is by taking private lessons and classes simultaneously. The private lessons allow you to learn new techniques to apply in classes. Classes are your time to fence with other fencers, make friends, and practice footwork.
Which weapon should I choose?
It’s all preference. No weapon is any more challenging than the other. They each have different scoring systems, pacing and target zones. Try them all and pick the one that feels most natural to you. See the videos below for a quick overview of each.
Why 20 minutes for a private lessons?
Our instructors can cover a lot of fencing in a 20 minute one-on-one lesson. We waste no time and start drilling blade work and footwork right away. We can also book in 40 minute or 60 minute increments, but we recommend starting with 20. You are guaranteed a good work out!
What should I expect in my first twenty minute free trial lesson?
We will cover your en garde stance, the basic footwork, a crash course in all three weapons, and then we will get you geared up and fencing by then end!
Do you do refunds?
No. But we are happy to keep your class and lesson credits for three months.