 |
|
Welcome to the Sonoma Fencing Academy!
The coaches at the Sonoma Fencing Academy respect the skills and talents of all fencers from the first day beginner to the World Cup Veteran. We understand that fencers differ in their reasons for taking up the sport (competition versus recreation) and strive to make both feel welcome. We pride ourselves in doing as much as we can to help the novice student feel comfortable and are always here, ready to help! Here is a little bit about our organization: The Sonoma Fencing Academy was founded in 1997 by Maestro Michael Pacheco to provide a full time fencing academy to the residents of the North Bay Area. It is the first facility of its kind in this region. The Academy has roughly doubled in size every year since its founding, matching the tremendous growth of the sport of fencing throughout the region. Wherever you live throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties, we have a class for you. We are currently working to bring our program to as many locations as possible in the Northern Bay Area. InstructorsMaestro Michael Pacheco, owner and manager of SFA. He has been fencing for over 15 years and teaching for more than 10 years. He has a diploma, Maitre D'armes, from the French Fencing Federation. Much of his study and training in fencing has been abroad in France, Italy and Spain. As a competitor he has earned the highest domestic rating (A) and has won many local and regional competitions (including; Northern California and Mountain Valley Division Foil Champion). He has been a Pacific Coast Junior and Senior Championship finalist and he was highest placing American fencer at the French-American Open held in Sacramento in 2000. Maestro Pacheco is the founder of the Sonoma Fencing Academy. In 2001, the Maestro was honored by the Petaluma Superintendent of Schools as an "Invaluable asset to the youth of our community." In 2003 the North Bay Bohemian featured the Maestro's academy in its Best Of series, calling the Academy the "Best place for a pointed lesson in life." The Maestro is founder of the Bay Cup, creator of the Kendall-Jackson International Fencing Tournament, and managing partner of The Wine Spies, LLC.
In 2006 the Maestro was appointed as US Junior National Coach for the World Cup Competition by the United States Fencing Association. Most importantly to the Maestro are the results of his fencing students. Here are some of the highlights: Assistant CoachesThe Academy also has additional part-time assistant instructors who are highly qualified, with many years of experience in the sport of fencing. You may see them teaching classes or attending tournaments to coach or referee. Program DescriptionsThe Academy understands that the fencing community has many different needs including different weapons (foil, epee, saber), age groups, and different levels of proficiency. Our main facility is located in Petaluma but we are currently undergoing an expansion process to bring fencing to many other locations in the Northern Bay Area. If the Academy is too far for you to drive, check to see if we offer a class closer to your area. The main reason for a fencing academy is to provide fencing instruction and bouting opportunities for fencers. Beyond providing a diverse group of bouting partners and the appropriate space and equipment, we provide instruction in many forms to help build fencing excellence. Here are the forms of instruction we offer: Beginner ClassesThere are two ways for a beginner to start. One of those ways is to take a regularly scheduled Beginners Class. These are four weeks long and meet twice per week (8 classes total). The course is inexpensive and is offered four times a year (or once per quarter). Equipment is provided. These classes are offered on a regular basis, but a more convenient way to join (at any time) is to sign up for the Youth, Adult+ or Junior program. Contact us for more detailed information about these programs. Regular Footwork and BoutingBy becoming a member of any of the programs that the Academy offers, a fencer is entitled first of all to footwork lessons. These are important floor exercises that take up the first 45 minutes of each class. The instructor will facilitate warmup, stretching, footwork, and sometimes additional blade work (or other exercises) to build the skills and increase the endurance of each student. It is important to remember that footwork is strenuous exercise and each fencer should move at their own pace. Also essential to the development of a fencer is bouting, meaning one-on-one competition with other students. Sometimes this is facilitated by an instructor, but oftentimes it is left to the individual student to take the initiative and pick a partner to fence with. Bouting is unpredictable, and often mixes fencers of different skill levels and experience (don't be shy, it's fun and a great learning opportunity). Private LessonsThe most potent learning tool in fencing instruction is the one-on-one lesson. During private lessons, students will take turns working with the instructor. A lesson's method and practice are centuries old and it takes a highly skilled instructor to give a correct one. It is suggested for beginners to add these to their program. Multiple private lessons are essential to the development of a high-level fencer. Team DevelopmentThose fencers who are interested in competition and development in fencing on a local, state, and national level join the Sonoma Fencing Academy Team. SFA Team fencers travel to tournaments and work vigorously to improve their fencing to meet the demands of a competitive fencing program. Team fencing is a larger commitment but the rewards are equally great. If you are interested in this challenging and exciting program, take a look at our intermediate and advanced fencing classes. Outreach/Community ClassesThe Sonoma Fencing Academy conducts classes as well as demonstrations outside of its walls all over Sonoma and Marin County. These classes are designed to bring instruction to those who can't drive the distance to Petaluma, and the demonstrations are conducted to bring about local awareness about the existence of the Academy and the art of fencing. If you would like a demonstration at your school or local event, please feel free to email us for more information. Regular Workshops/TournamentsEvery quarter the Academy holds tournaments and workshops on the weekends to help the fencer's development in a way that can't be done in a short evening or afternoon class. Some are designed specifically for beginners while others target the higher level fencer. Occasionally there will be a mix of the two. If you are a beginner, look for the Beginner's Tournament. This is a terrific learning experience, meant to introduce fencers to what competitive fencing is like in a fun and friendly environment. Annual Fencing CampsEvery summer the Academy organizes or hosts fencing camps that are incredible fencing experiences. We have a number of localized beginner camps (usually about a week long) and we coordinate the renowned International Fencing Camp. We also travel abroad to fence in exotic locales such as Paris, France. These camps are held throughout the year although most are held during the summer. Fencing EquipmentWe have equipment for beginners to use at no extra cost. This only includes standard fencing equipment. We do not provide electrical fencing gear used for more advanced fencing. This gear must be purchased by each individual fencer. The Academy can recommend fencing equipment through a national vendor. If you would like to purchase equipment, have a look at our standard equipment guide* and our electric equipment guide*. If you have any questions, feel free to email us. * You will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download) to view the these pdf files. |
Current Events |
The study of the sport of fencing is an extraordinary journey that we know will be a vastly rewarding experience for you. Below you will find information about the club, its coaching staff, payment schedule and more. Many of the programs mentioned here won't apply to you right away, but please browse them so that you know how far you can take your fencing in the months and years to come.