Academy of Fencing Masters

Art of Fencing, Art of Life

Academy of Fencing Masters (AFM) is the USA’s largest fencing club, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in epee fencing. We offer fencing classes at all levels, from Beginners to Competitive, for school-age fencers and special programs for adults. AFM features two locations: Campbell and Sunnyvale.

AFM won four Club of Excellence Awards from the USA Fencing, the governing body of the sport of fencing in the USA, being the only club in the USA history to receive such price four times: in 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023. AFM is a recipient of the Special Congressional Recognition Award for contributing to developing the sport of fencing in the country.

Our fencers are multiple winners of national and international competitions and the USA National Team members, making our club among the top 3 highest performing clubs at the national level.

With one of the most experienced coaching staff in the country, including 4 Olympians, World Champions, and Olympic Medalists, we offer high-level fencing education from the very first step while continuing our mission to develop well-rounded athletes and instill life values in each of our students.

NEWS:

November 15, 2023

We are pleased to offer Fencing Winter Camp during the Winter Break at our Campbell location, on December 26-29, 2023. Each camp day is 3 hours (9am-12pm). This unique fencing camp is a perfect place for your child to explore the sport of fencing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment during the last days of the year and to understand whether fencing can become their sport in the new year 2024.

Full fencing gear is provided.

Space is limited and early registration is advised. Click on the “Register” button or go over to the camp page to read more.

Looking forward to seeing you in our Fencing Winter Camp for Beginners!

November 1, 2023

Welcome to the Special Edition Holiday Event – Youth Introduction to Fencing class (7 y.o. – 12 y.o.)! This one-time event on Sunday, December 17, 2023, allows your child to explore the sport of fencing and realize whether the sword-fighting sport is their passion. In this 2-hour class in our Campbell or Sunnyvale facilities, we will teach the kids basic skills, gear them up, and have them fence in the real competitive fencing setup! By the end of this special edition Introduction to fencing, your child will know if they want to continue with fencing as their regular sport. Availability is limited to the first 20 participants.

Campbell – Date: 12/17/2023; Time: 10am-12pm; Location – AFM Campbell, 86 Railway Ave., Campbell, CA 95008

Sunnyvale – Date: 12/17/2023; Time: 12pm-4pm; Location – AFM Sunnyvale, 1269 Forgewood Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Give your child the thrill of trying fencing this holiday season!

Gallery

Sunshine and Stretches!

Nothing like starting a new day of training with some fresh air. Our young fencers stretch and get ready for some outdoor conditioning. It would be a shame to stay inside all day on a pretty morning like this!
AFM Cleaning Day

AFM masks all lined up on the fence for their group shower. We know it’s important to keep things clean, but especially our masks. We have to breathe in there!
Fencing Class in the Park

AFM campers from the summer fencing camp stand in a circle and get ready to practice fencing technique while enjoying some sunshine with their fellow campers. Seems this particular step of preparation involves looking up to the sky?
Fencers or Expert Jump Ropers?

AFM fencers are all skilled jump ropers too, as we use this as one of our favorite exercises for learning timing technique—plus it’s great exercise! You might be able to tell by their faces that these AFM women are having a great time. Perhaps we should become the Academy of Fencing and Jump-Roping Masters? AFJM doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as easily.
Support from a Teammate

Sometimes a friendly hug helps more than a thousand supportive words. We are lucky to have such good friends here in the club.
The First Gold is the Sweetest

Yes! We did it! Coach Natasha is proud of Alexander Javorski who took his first gold medal at the Central California Division Y14 Summer National Qualifier tournament. A fencer’s path to success is long, but the taste of winning so sweet!
Open Fencing Event

Open fencing is a good way to make new fencing friends and train with the best local fencers! It’s fun, it’s intense, and it helps clear the mind after a week of hard work.
Redheads Rule!

It’s not just a similar hair color that bonds these two AFM fencers (Jordan Schmidt (left) and Alexander Javorski)—they also share a love of the sport and great talent at that!
Fencing on the Beach

Coach Natasha: “In one drop of ocean you can find the whole power of the Earth!” She took her young fencers to a special training on the Santa Cruz beach right before Summer Nationals. “Water, water, give me power; give me energy and patience!” With these words the youth fencers started their intense training towards their very first National Competition in Columbus, Ohio in Summer 2014.
Hello, Summer!

AFM Junior fencers are full of positive energy before Summer Nationals! Wait, is it training or time for fun in the sun? Both! It’s hard not to have fun when you’re training on the sand.
Running along the Ocean

AFM fencers start off a tough day of training with a four-mile, barefoot run along the coast. Nothing gets your blood flowing like running on wet sand!
En Garde!

A group of our younger fencers take a ready stance during a day of training at the beach. Coach Natasha told them to welcome the sounds of the ocean while remaining focused on their form.
A Fencer Out of Uniform

Hm, what’s that on Alexander Javorski’s back—a guitar or a fencing bag? Either way, he’s rocking that fedora! Proving that fencers are athletic AND well dressed.
Graduation Day

Sanil Sharma and his mom Sangeeta celebrate his completion of the Intermediate training class. It’s great to celebrate hard work and accomplishment and even better to celebrate with family!
Happy Fencers

Four AFM fencers take a break during a visit of the legendary Jerry Chang, Coach Natasha’s student of six years. From left to right: Ari Lichy, Marcos Sanjines, Jerry Chang, and Anya Harkness. Jerry is always so humble and friendly.Somethimes he takes breaks from his Harvard routine to fence with us and share his experiences.
Taking Time to Rest after the Fencing Bout

The world can wait! A fencer takes a quick rest during the competition. The best fencers know that it’s important to take a breath when you need to! And apparently a fencing mask can double as a pillow.
AFM in the News!

Jared Otake is looking quite focused when featured on the first page of the Campbell Reporter. It was a huge pleasure to call Jared’s mom, Macy, and tell her: “Hi, Macy. Did you know that your son is on the streets of Campbell on the first page of the paper?” What a sweet moment. The article spoke of AFM and included several colorful pictures and personal stories. “Parents tell it all.” What a joyous moment for our club!
Junior Competitive Class in Action

AFM’s more experienced fencers are challenged and pushed to strive for the next level of fencing in their competitive class. AFM fencers always welcome a challenge and know how to have fun while working hard. En garde!
Valentine’s Day at AFM

We take every opportunity to celebrate and sprinkle some fun into our hard work at the club. What fun to decorate fencing masks with flowers for the romantic holiday!
Fencers Surround the AFM Name

We’re proud of our facility and having our name on the floor to call it our own.
A Full House Awaits the Direct Elimination Round

At one of AFM’s hosted Bay Cup tournaments, the participants wait outside for the Direct Elimination round to begin. The fencers and their families enjoy the nice weather and warm sunshine! For convenience, we are located in downtown Campbell near light rail transportation and minutes away from I-280, Highway 17, and Highway 85. We are surrounded by various shops and cafés and a nearby park.
AFM’s Short Strips

Our training floor features five shorter strips for private lessons, exercises, and paired sparring
AFM Parents’ Lounge

We have a specific area for parents and families to hang out during classes or competition. It’s on the second floor overlooking the training floor. We want our parents and any siblings to be comfortable and taken care of! We provide free wi-fi, a play area, a conference room that doubles as a homework station, and men’s and women’s changing rooms.
AFM Second Floor for Families

We have a family lounge with a library and wi-fi. We know our parents are busy and sometimes need to get things done while hanging out at our facility! We aim to create a vibrant atmosphere that makes our fencing school a family experience, supporting those who are training, their siblings who are too young to train, and the parents who are the backbone of the training process.
Halloween Day Training

Group hug during training on Halloween day. Gather ‘round the chicken!
Who’s in the Chicken Suit?

AFMers celebrate Halloween and Coach Natasha surprises her young fencers with her chicken costume. She always takes care of her students, even when it comes to going beyond fencing and looking silly to make them smile.
AFM’s Got Talent!

AFM fencers show off their unique talents (on top of fencing, of course!) at our 2014 AFM Winter Party. The whole family was invited to this celebratory event that included an international potluck, fabulous Italian marionettes, and our AFM Talent Show pictured here.
The Timothy James Magic Show!

At AFM we have the best families a club could ever hope to ask for! Our extended AFM family gathers around to watch the Timothy James Magic Show.
Big Smiles!

AFM winter campers pose for a group photo in 2013. Winter camp is a great way to stay in shape and keep your skills sharp over the holiday break from lessons and classes.
Congratulations Beginner Graduates!

AFM completion certificates for the Beginner Fencing Camp. Received at an awards ceremony with parents and friends looking on with pride.
First-Time Fencers

AFM Beginner Fencing Camp participants fence for the first time! They shake hands in preparation for paired sparring. The first step toward becoming a fencing champion!
Eyes Closed, Minds Open

Fencers bow their heads and close their eyes to work on visualization at AFM Beginner Fencing Camp. Visualize success to realize success! Sports psychologist walks them through positive thinking to up their mental game. Adding in the work of a psychologist can really give our fencers an edge and is essential to preparing for the intimidation of large competitions like nationals.
Blade Work at Beginner Camp

AFM Beginner Fencing Campers practice blade work. It’s fun watching our new fencers learn to handle a weapon for the first time. You can start to guess who will stick with fencing for a long time when you see the passion light up in their eyes!
A New Fencer for Life

As part of a sports psychology session, AFM Beginner Camper, Ethan, wrote down his dream: to be a professional sports player in the U.S. We encouraged them to dream big and we weren’t disappointed. Since camp, Ethan has stuck with fencing and shown great progress in just a few months. We know he can achieve his dream if he sets his mind to it: the sky is the limit!
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Teams work together during the AFM Beginner Fencing Camp. The camp includes both physical training and mental exercises that prepare the fencers for both important aspects of the game: the body and the mind!
Team vs. Coach!

AFM campers play one of their favorite games: Touch the Coach. It’s important to mix in competitive games and fun with the more focused drills. Who can touch the coach first?

Training in the Park

We are lucky to have Campbell Park just a three-minute walk from the club. On days with good weather, we make sure to take advantage of the nearby park! Here participants in the beginner fencing summer camp get on the ground with some push-ups, but it looks like some of us may need to work on our form.
Blowing Bubbles Before a Bout?

Say that five times fast! Believe it or not, blowing bubbles is a special technique to encourage deep breathing to calm down before a bout. Kids will hold their breath and breathe deeply in and out while having fun blowing bubbles.
AFM Fencers LOVE to Jump Rope

Our fencers sure love it when jumping rope is part of the day’s training. They may think it’s fun, but it’s also a really great training technique for learning timing and to judge distance. Here two of our female fencers are really getting into it!
Everybody JUMP!

AFM fencers attempt to fit as many jumpers as possible onto one rope. It may look like chaos, but careful timing and distance judgment are what makes it possible for all of them to jump at one time. But for how long?
AFM Girls Having Fun

Giving each other fencing tips or bantering about their plans for the next weekend? It’s hard to tell!
Golden Words of Wisdom on the Fencing Strip

Coach Alexandr gives strip-coaching instructions during the competition. The one-minute break, is it a lot of time or none at all? This quick dialogue between coach and fencer is extremely important and could be the difference between a win and a loss. The special language between the two is a matter of practice and trust.
AFM Internal Competition

We had a fantastic internal competition and our fencers had a blast. After the competition our coaches commented that the level of fencing in the Intermediate and Advanced groups improved overnight; no wonder, fencing 15 bouts in a tough competition improves one’s fencing for sure!
Our medalists:
Foil: 1st place – Connor Mao, 2nd place – Mika Manalastas, 3rd place – Catherine Lange and Tristan Barca-Hall
Epee: 1st place – Jordan Schmidt, 2nd place – Bartosz Kuligowski, 3rd place – Nancy Zhang and Jakob Silva
A Fencing Flower

A group of AFM fencers take stretching to a new level with smiles on their faces. Whoever said stretching is boring hasn’t met our fencers.
Saluting the Sea

Some of our younger fencers attended a special training at the beach to prep for Summer Nationals. With the powerful and vast ocean before them, they saluted as a group.
Feel the Power of the Waves

Sometimes talking to Coach Natasha I feel like I can fly! She gives you wings and a feeling that you can reach the sky! During summer camp, Coach Natasha took AFM Junior fencers into the water to feel the vibe and power of the strong waves. “Believe in yourself,” is her favorite slogan. Hesitation is not for champions!
Strong Legs, Strong Footwork

Coach Alexandr sends a group of fencers off for a four-mile run on the wet sand. He promises a rewarding dip in the ocean when they get back! Running on the sand is a great way to strengthen the legs for quicker footwork
Focus Wins Bouts

Our young fencers practice technique while learning to ignore the distractions of their environment. “There is only one magic of becoming a champion: hard work!” says Coach Natasha. “Don’t look at the swimmers in the water or the sandcastle builders behind you, guys – focus on your blade work and winning the next competition!”
We Feel the Need for Speed!

Is that Tom Cruise and friends posing for a Top Gun photo? Ah, no, the frisbees gave them away: it’s a few of our AFM fencers. From left: William Elloway, Bartosz Kuligowski, Yasha Shur. AFM red seems to be a perfect match for the fire truck.
Team building event

One of our team-building trainees from Silicon Valley is excited after finishing his first team-building fencing event at AFM.
Proud Fencing Dad

Michael Yukelson, proud father of star fencer Taly Yukelson and professional fencing dad. Not only is he supportive of his daughter’s endeavors, he is also now a C-rated epee fencer himself! Taly is working hard towards her “A” rating.
Leaving the Competing on the Strip

A few AFM fencers joke around between bouts. They may compete on the strip, but off the strip they are best friends and each other’s biggest fans. At AFM we encourage a supportive atmosphere for all of our fencers, as much a family as a club.
Wise Words from Coach Natasha

Coach Natasha prepares her 10-year-old fencers for the day’s competition. A coach not only guides fencers on the strip during breaks, but leading into the event by encouraging their mental readiness and strength. Coach Natasha is passionate and puts her entire self into her beloved boys! Her favorite saying: “Believe in yourself and the sky is the limit!”
Kickoff Speech for AFM Internal Competition

Igor gives an inspirational speech before the pools. It’s not easy to compete with your friends, but it’s a great opportunity to learn the flow of a real competition and gain some valuable training!
“The Masks”: 2014 AFM Photo Contest Winner

This year we had a contest over summer break to see who could take the best fencing-related photo on their summer travels. AFM fencer Alexander Javorski took the prize with this stunning photograph. His prize – a personalized BF FIE epee. The contest was based on sharing of the photo: we can learn a lot from Alexander and his family on how to create a viral campaign!
Fencing in Another Era!

AFM fencers show off their talents at the Northern California Renaissance Fair. Something is different thought, perhaps their period attire? A fun reminder of our sport’s noble roots.
AFM’s Training Floor

The first level at AFM is for training only. The floor was manufactured specifically for AFM with the highest quality material to provide greater performance and safety: it is very forgiving on legs and joints. We have nine competitive strips that are electrical.
The AFM Office Door is Always Open!

The office area at AFM matches the rest of the facility! We always welcome our fencers and their parents to come in to ask questions or discuss progress. An open-door policy!
AFM Open Conference Area

We take school and homework seriously and want our athletes and their siblings to have a space to work. Here in this quiet area, fencers can do homework before or after lessons while waiting for rides and their siblings can work when their parents bring them along.
AFM Working Cubicles

We always keep families in mind at AFM. We not only want our facilities to be a second home for our fencers, we also want their parents to have what they need. We know parents sometimes need a quiet space to work, so we have cubicles that provide a nice workspace.
Good Food with Good Friends

AFM fencers and families line up to fill their plates at the 2014 AFM Winter Party. Our international potluck was a great chance for everyone to show off their cooking skills and fill their bellies.
AFM Founder Ready for Flight

AFM founder, Irina Chirashnya, having some fun in a silly costume. It’s not just the kids that have fun around here!
Good Food with Good Friends

AFM fencers and families line up to fill their plates at the 2014 AFM Winter Party. Our international potluck was a great chance for everyone to show off their cooking skills and fill their bellies with dishes from different parts of the world.
Holiday Dresses at AFM

Our young female fencers look adorable in their holiday best at our 2014 AFM Winter Party. Let’s just hope they’re able to keep those dresses clean while they eat!
Champions in the Making

AFM Beginner Fencing Camp is a great way for new fencers to kick-start their skills. We work hard and have a lot of fun. Outdoor training during the summer is always a must!
Learning the Mental Game

Fencing is more mental than physical with the strategy and focus that go into a bout. Pictured here is a sports psychologist who visited the AFM Beginner Fencing Camp to work with campers in groups and individually on mental preparation for competition.
New Sport, New Friends

Fencers make new friends at the AFM Beginner Fencing Camp during a sports psychology session on dreaming big. Play fighting with paper airplanes? You never know what children will come up with when they use their imaginations! The sport psychology sessions were developed and coordinated with our fencing coaches to tie in with the physical training.
What Do You Do Well?

When you’re new at something, it’s all too easy to focus on the things you’re struggling to learn. In this picture, AFM fencers write down their best qualities as an athlete to help them always remember their strengths while they work on their weaknesses. Part of a sports psychology session at AFM Beginner Fencing Camp.
When You Wish Upon a … Paper Airplane?

AFM Beginner Campers work on their sports psychology assignment. They write down their dreams so they can then make paper airplanes out of the sheets and release them into the sky. We celebrated as we let them go and took away the key lesson: Dream big, the sky is the limit.
To Infinity and Beyond!

“Airplanes of Dreams”: two AFM Beginner Campers show off their paper airplanes with their big dreams written inside. Time to release them to sky and be on our way to achieving our dreams.
Practice, Practice, Practice

AFM campers perform target drills to work on good posture and proper blade work. A good fencer gets the basics down first and having accuracy and control with your blade is an important foundation to fencing skills.
Stance First, Blade Second

AFM fencers learn footwork drills. Footwork drills can be fun! It’s important to get your footwork down without your weapon before you put it all together.

Academy of Fencing Masters

Art of Fencing, Art of Life

Gallery

Sunshine and Stretches!

AFM Cleaning Day

Fencing Class in the Park

Fencers or Expert Jump Ropers?

Support from a Teammate

The First Gold is the Sweetest

Open Fencing Event

Redheads Rule!

Fencing on the Beach

Hello, Summer!

Running along the Ocean

En Garde!

A Fencer Out of Uniform

Graduation Day

Happy Fencers

Taking Time to Rest after the Fencing Bout

AFM in the News!

Junior Competitive Class in Action

Valentine’s Day at AFM

Fencers Surround the AFM Name

A Full House Awaits the Direct Elimination Round

AFM’s Short Strips

AFM Parents’ Lounge

AFM Second Floor for Families

Halloween Day Training

Who’s in the Chicken Suit?

AFM’s Got Talent!

The Timothy James Magic Show!

Big Smiles!

Congratulations Beginner Graduates!

First-Time Fencers

Eyes Closed, Minds Open

Blade Work at Beginner Camp

A New Fencer for Life

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Team vs. Coach!

Training in the Park

Blowing Bubbles Before a Bout?

AFM Fencers LOVE to Jump Rope

Everybody JUMP!

AFM Girls Having Fun

Golden Words of Wisdom on the Fencing Strip

AFM Internal Competition

A Fencing Flower

Saluting the Sea

Feel the Power of the Waves

Strong Legs, Strong Footwork

Focus Wins Bouts

We Feel the Need for Speed!

Team building event

Proud Fencing Dad

Leaving the Competing on the Strip

Wise Words from Coach Natasha

Kickoff Speech for AFM Internal Competition

“The Masks”: 2014 AFM Photo Contest Winner

Fencing in Another Era!

AFM’s Training Floor

The AFM Office Door is Always Open!

AFM Open Conference Area

AFM Working Cubicles

Good Food with Good Friends

AFM Founder Ready for Flight

Good Food with Good Friends

Holiday Dresses at AFM

Champions in the Making

Learning the Mental Game

New Sport, New Friends

What Do You Do Well?

When You Wish Upon a … Paper Airplane?

To Infinity and Beyond!

Practice, Practice, Practice

Stance First, Blade Second