Truly a Unique Experience
The International Fencing Camp is ideal for all levels of fencers, from novice to elite, who wish to improve their
fencing in one incredible week of training. Foil, Épée, and Saber will
be taught by French and American Fencing Masters with National, World
Cup and Olympic level experience. American and international fencers alike will
receive European style training in sunny Northern California. Sonoma
County is world famous for its "Wine Country" and beautiful natural
surroundings. Majestic redwood groves and the Pacific Ocean are within
30 minutes of the camp and San Francisco is less than 1 hour away.
For the Beginning Fencer
No prior fencing experience is required to enjoy the full benefits of this one-week camp. Students will learn the
centuries-old traditions of fencing, as well as the mental discipline
and physical fitness necessary to excel in the sport. Parents will be
amazed at the depth of focus their children can achieve when training.
Adults will find the camp challenging, exciting and fun. But as you will
see, that's not all this camp has to offer.
For the Intermediate and Advanced Fencer
Competitive fencers won't feel neglected at this camp. Several Fencing Masters will
be training students, along with a committed local staff. This year the Sonoma Fencing Academy's Maitre Michael Pacheco and Maitre Delphine Roqueplo, are on hand to provide a highly advanced level of training. Experienced fencers can be sure that they will receive private lessons and training that will push them past their previous limits. In addition to the coaching staff, camp participants will find the high caliber competition from other fencers equally valuable.
Cultural Exchange
American fencers will train alongside over thirty French fencers, led by French Fencing Masters. All fencers, beginner and advanced alike, will enjoy opportunities to interact on individual and group levels. In addition to fencing, camp participants will dine together, cross-train together and socialize all week long. Make new friends and learn to fence, all at the same time!
Training
This year, we will be holding our camp on the St. Vincent de Paul High School grounds. Camp participants will train daily for an entire week, beginners from 10am - 3pm and more advanced fencers from 9:30am - 4pm. This schedule includes time for a lunch break. Camp activities for
beginners will include learning basic fencing rules and skills. All
fencers will participate in footwork, private lessons, fun
cross-training exercises and bouting. Advanced fencers will particularly
enjoy the daily opportunities to bout with high level American and international
opponents. Private lessons will help boost the performance of every student on the strip. Each day of the camp will give students a different
challenge, as old lessons are reviewed and new lessons are learned.
Host Families
This year, several local families have generously offered
to open their homes and serve as host families to a few lucky camp
participants. Visiting fencers will stay with one of these families for
the entire week. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.
Contact Maitre Michael Pacheco for details.
Application
Please fill out this application and medical release form to begin the sign-up process. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2004. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up right away. Email, call or mail us by the deadline to reserve a space. Mail all forms to:
International Fencing Camp
239 Water Street
Petaluma CA 94952
If you have any questions or comments, please email us.