Try a FREE group fencing class today.
Embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and become a master of the blade. Witness the transformation from beginner to legend!
How does it work?
Main Quest
Discover your passion for fencing with Swordplay LA! Start by trying out a free group class to choose the weapon that suits you best.
Begin your quest for the Yellow Blade as you learn the basics and develop your blade and footwork skills. Not only will you become a skilled fencer, but you'll also complete side quests to become a stronger athlete.
Once you achieve the Green Blade, you can choose to participate in competitive fencing programs. Our coaches will support you in setting and achieving your personal competitive goals.
“A contemporary and gamified way of learning an Olympic sport. I am addicted.”
— Swordplay LA Fencing Student
Fence your way through Swordplay LA’s main curriculum and earn all the blades.
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A brand-new swordfighter will learn the basics of combat, from their combat stance to attack and defense. This is the start of your quest.
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Fencers will learn basic attacks, defense and the basic parry system. students will be acclimated to the conventions and etiquette of swordplay.
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Fencers will be introduced to fencing strategy and learn the rules of sport on a more in-depth level. Students now have the option to train competitively.
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Fencers are introduced to advanced bladework and footwork. They also are building a foundation of fitness and attending local tournaments regularly.
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Champions will train in situational bouting, advanced bladework, and footwork. These students compete at local, regional, and national level.
“My child has fallen in love with this sport. It is like a video game but make it fencing! ”
— Swordplay LA Fencing Parent
What classes do we offer?
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Beginner Classes
These fencing classes help new fencers master the fundamentals of the sport and apply the techniques learned in private lessons. If you are new to fencing or are just interested in fencing for fun, these classes are perfect for you. Don’t forget to sign up for your free private lesson.
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Competitive Classes
These fencing classes are ideal for fencers who have a strong grasp of the fundamentals and are looking to explore strategy and bout analysis through more challenging sparring. They are targeted towards our competitive students and students seeking collegiate fencing opportunities!
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Open Fencing
Open floor fencing is an opportunity for fencers to compete with one another in an environment outside of classes. Also perfect for a good workout or socializing with other fencers! Simply walk into the studio during open fencing hours and bout with anyone in attendance - instructors included!
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Private Lessons
Work one-on-one with an instructor to advance technique, endurance, and skill. Private lessons are catered to a student’s goals. Students looking to participate in competitive fencing are paired with our competitive instructors. Lessons can be structured in twenty, forty, or hour long sessions.
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Recreational Classes & Events
Want to learn in a low pressure kind of way? Check out our recreational based classes on the schedule. In addition to group and private training we also host in-house tournaments, Q & As, info sessions, special events and much more! We even host birthdays! Check out our parties and entertainment page here.
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Way of the Sword: Intro to Fencing
Introduce your child, to the captivating world of fencing. Our program blends fundamental fencing skills with interactive games, fostering physical development and instilling values of sportsmanship. Lay the foundation for a lifelong love of fencing as your child gains confidence and readiness to transition into our main program.
Book your class.
Walk ins are allowed but we do recommend that you register online to reserve your spot as spots are limited!
Youth Competitive Program
Join our youth competitive program and put your skills to the test. We have designed a curriculum that will take you through your first group sessions all the way up to your first competition. Some of our competitors have gone on to earn ratings, qualify for Summer Nationals, Junior Olympics, Pan American World Championships and even fence in college! Each student who joins our competitive program will get a team jacket, be invited to private training sessions, be accompanied by coaches to tournaments and learn high level strategy that will to implement into tournaments at all levels and ages.
How does the Team Swordplay Youth Competitive Program works?
Step 1. Build a Foundation
Build a foundation. It is all about building a solid fencing foundation in the fundamentals. Our beginner core curriculum in Yellow & Green Blades teach students the basics of fencing and introduce the rules of the sport. We generally do not recommend attending tournaments until students have trained for minimum six months. In this time students should be purchasing their own gear.
Step 2. Train, Train, Train.
Practice makes permanent. You can only compete the way you practice. Our Team Swordplay local competitors practice 1-2 times a week while our Team Swordplay regional and national competitors are expected to train 3-4 times a week. Our level competitors should supplement group training with private lessons and take advantage of our speed, agility, and strength courses designed to build well rounded athletes.
Step 3. Code of Conduct & Team Jacket
All of our competitors are required to join the USFA with a competitive membership, sign the Team Swordplay Code of Conduct, and purchase our Team Swordplay Warm Ups and jacket patch. You did it. You are ready to compete. Read our Team Swordplay Philosophy below.
Team Swordplay Philosophy
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.
Above all else, Swordplay LA is a place of learning, dedicated to fostering the athletic, academic, social, and fun aspects of the sport of fencing
Swordplay LA fencers will commit to using all their might and brilliance in every bout, fencing until the final touch is scored, and never throwing in the towel. 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 the philosophy 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.
Even though fencing is an individual sport, Swordplay LA believes that all students and coaches must uplift, support, and help one another through a mutual desire to learn and grow. Only when facing one another in a tournament setting should students see each other as competitors, and even then only during that bout.
Swordplay’s philosophy is that everyone, students and staff included, must leave their ego at the door, and must commit to training (or training their students) to their full potential. This commitment to train, to “practice ugly,” and to develop one’s skills is necessary for facing one’s fears and removing their weaknesses.
Students should trust that every coach has something to teach them and has their best interests at heart, and must be open to learning and improving themselves. Coaches should trust that their student has a desire to learn and train, and should challenge and inspire them accordingly to best help them grow as a fencer and a person.
Swordplay LA coaches have put a lot of effort into designing a training program and preparing lessons and classes to best support and uplift our students. Therefore, we expect students to come to Swordplay, warm and ready to train, with:
Proper athletic attire, including fencing or court sneakers, and fencing gear.
A notebook and writing utensil.
Water.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Welcome to Team Swordplay!
Meet Your Coaches
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Mary Sola Spohn
Head Competitive Foil Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
Mary began her fencing career at Swordplay LA at the age of 5, when she took her first foil lesson. Her passion for the sport was immediate, and she quickly accelerated to a competitive level. When she was 9, Mary was competitive in both regional and national competitions. By the age of 10, she had collected several national medals and was ranked #5 nationally in her age group. Before she was 18, she was consistently ranked as one of the top female foil fencers in the country. Her coaches included Al Carter and Olympic foil coach, Greg Massialas.
Mary’s years of dedication to her craft and noble accomplishments earned her a scholarship to Northwestern University, one of the top Division 1 fencing programs in the country. She graduated with one Midwest Conference Championship and a Division 1 All-American Honorable Mention.
Mary is now owner of Swordplay LA and continues to inspire fencers who are looking to excel in the sport. In addition to fencing, Mary also leads the stunt fighting program at Swordplay LA.
Coaching Philosophy: The desire to win is nothing without the will to prepare to win. Train hard. Have fun! -
Dan Robitzski
Head Competitive Epee Coach (USFA Certified Coach)
Dan began fencing in 2004 as a foil fencer at his first club in New Jersey. But when he got to high school, his coach put an épée in his hand and it immediately clicked.
Over the years, Dan made it his mission to understand the sport inside and out. He became a regular presence in local, regional, and national tournaments as an eager student, a determined competitor, and eventually as a referee and coach. Dan took on his first coaching job at his home club and his former high school after he graduated college in 2015, though he also coached his teammates while he was team captain of his NCAA Division I collegiate team.
Dan later moved to New York City and trained under the Head Coach of the US Men's Epee National Team, practicing with many of the country’s top competitors before moving to Los Angeles in 2020.
Aside from fencing, Dan works as a journalist and producer. He primarily reports on cool new developments in science, technology, and medicine, and sometimes he gets to use his background in neuroscience and psychology to help further refine his students' fencing.
Coaching Philosophy: I believe in setting students up for a long, successful career by fostering a deep, almost scholarly understanding of fencing. In that way, I provide the tools and training but allow my students' creativity to take over, helping them apply what they've learned to form their own unique style.
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Tyler Wohlner
FOIL COACH (USFA Certified)
Coaching Philosophy: My fencing philosophy revolves around helping students develop a personal sense of harmony between mind and body. I believe this not only helps with self expression, but confidence and discipline in all areas of life as well. -
Victoria Chalk
ASSISTANT COACH & FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Coaching Philosophy: I have been lucky enough to experience firsthand that a good coach can get results, but a great coach can change someone’s life for the better. I set my students up for success, by encouraging them to show up for themselves and their teammates in a fun environment, a space where athletes of any age can thrive.
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.
So, what’s your next step?
Sign up for a free class.
For all first time students we offer a free group class. Equipment provided.
Or if you are ready to get started you can RSVP by signing up above. Need a reccomendation? emailing us at office@splafencing.com or calling us at 818-566-1777. See our cancellation policy in the FAQs below.
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?
There are no refunds but students can pause their memberships at any time.
About Fencing Weapons
There are three weapons in competitive fencing: foil, sabre, epeé. Each of them differ by the shape/weight of the weapons, the targets on the body, and the scoring and pacing of bouts. For an overview of each of the weapons, check out these 1-minute crash course videos:
Foil for Beginners
Sabre for Beginners
Épeé for Beginners
