Preparing for your first Class

Thank you for signing up for your introductory lesson at Swordplay LA! A member of our staff will be reaching out shortly to schedule your class—while you wait learn what to expect at your first lesson and how to prepare for a great experience.

Advice For Swordplay LA’s Parents

For new and younger fencers, practicing techniques at home is generally not recommended. Learning proper form requires feedback from a qualified coach, and repeating movements incorrectly can create habits that are difficult to correct later.

That said, there are many ways to support your child's development outside of class:

  • Encourage an active lifestyle. Building strength, coordination, balance, and endurance helps young athletes perform their best on the fencing strip.

  • Support cross-training. Sports like swimming, soccer, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, or climbing all develop athletic skills that transfer well to fencing. We love seeing our students explore a variety of activities!

  • Fuel their passion. Watch Olympic fencing, historical swordsmanship, or inspiring sports documentaries together. If they're interested in fantasy or adventure, swordfighting films and shows can spark excitement and keep them engaged with the sport. A genuine love for fencing is one of the greatest predictors of long-term success.

Remember, the goal isn't just to create great fencers—it's to help young athletes develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Advice For All Swordplay Students

TRUST THE PROCESS

Every student starts somewhere, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Some days everything will click, while other days will feel more challenging—that's a normal part of learning. Students are encouraged to attend class consistently and trust that each lesson builds on the last. Progress isn't measured by perfection; it's measured by dedication, persistence, and steady improvement over time.

MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS

Excellence is built on strong fundamentals. Footwork, balance, timing, distance, and control form the foundation of every advanced technique. Rather than rushing to move faster or learn more complex actions, students should focus on performing the basics with precision. Speed, confidence, and efficiency develop naturally through quality repetition and purposeful practice.

TRAIN WITH PURPOSE

Students should arrive at each class, on time ready to learn, ask questions, and support their training partners. Respecting the learning process, communicating clearly, and maintaining a positive attitude creates a stronger training environment for everyone. Whether the goal is competition, historical martial arts, stunt performance, fitness, or simply learning a new skill, every lesson is another step toward becoming a more capable swordsman and a more confident athlete.

Welcome to Swordplay LA. The entire coaching staff looks forward to being part of every student's journey. To connect with us digitally, join our Swordplay LA Discord below.

Utilizing Open Floor

Open floor at Swordplay LA provides students with an excellent opportunity to gain additional practice, apply what they've learned in class, and develop confidence through experience. To get the most out of each session, students should come with a plan and train with purpose.

Before arriving, students are encouraged to set achievable and measurable goals. Examples include, "Score at least three touches using a feint disengage," or "Fence at least two 10-touch bouts." Having specific objectives helps create more focused and productive practice.

Students should also complete a 10–15 minute warm-up before training. A proper warm-up should elevate the heart rate and produce a light sweat without causing fatigue. Footwork drills, dynamic stretching, and basic bladework are all excellent ways to prepare for practice.

After training, students should take time to reflect on their performance. Understanding what worked well, identifying areas for improvement, and discussing possible adjustments are some of the fastest ways to accelerate growth as an athlete

Open floor is an an opportunity to practice with intention, learn from every bout, and continue building the habits that lead to long-term success.