Our Philosophy


Fencing and Archery have been sports since the time of the ancient Egyptians.  They have worldwide appeal, and everyone can participate in fencing and archery equally.  Our club values the diversity of our sport and the full participation of all people.  This is fundamental to what keeps our club and sport vibrant. 

Nova Fencing and Archery Club teaches good sportsmanship and fosters a feeling of acceptance.  We strive to create a family feeling, where everyone is welcome, and where everyone follows the same rules of respect. We also teach how to compete, win and lose with grace and good sportsmanship.  
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By the end of camp, every fencer should understand that each bout starts with a salute, and ends with a salute and a handshake.  Archers follow the rules, score accurately and are honest.  Good sportsmanship involves respecting your opponent, referees and coaches on and off the strip, being resilient, and focusing on learning.  When everyone follows these rules we all have fun.

Our Goals 

We aren't just here to teach fencing and archery.  We want our campers to be open to learning, discover their own inner strength, and win or lose with grace and good humor. 
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1. Goal: Focus on Learning 
2. Goal: Value of Resiliency 
3. Goal: Learn “What it takes to be a Champion”
    Good Sportsmanship       

Intended Outcomes

At the end of the week, we expect that each camper will have learned and can execute the foundational fencing positions: advance, retreat, thrust and lunge.  Archers will be able to correctly load their bow, fire and hit the target.

Nobody wins all the time.  Campers will experience both winning and losing points and bouts.  They will learn the concept of one touch at a time and how focusing on the one touch at a time allows them to be resilient and focused on the bout they are fencing.

They will demonstrate good sportsmanship by listening with respect, following the rules, and saluting their opponents. Bullying and poor sportsmanship is not tolerated.  Everyone is valued and respected.

Our Coaches and Staff

Our Coaches are members of United States Fencing Coaches Association or USA Archery and are under the direction of Head Coach Greg Kaidanov.  Our coaching staff is made up of full time professional fencing and archery coaches.

Our staff members are drawn from our fencing and archery club, so that they have a background in our sports.  Many of them also work in our after school programs.  All of our staff
members are certified in CPR/AED and First Aid.  

Camper Development

Resiliency, self-esteem, and self-confidence are all areas that fencing and archery helps develop and strengthen.  At the end of each camp, everyone should be able to do something that they have never done before. 

Winning a bout is only impossible if you think it is.  Mindset is everything on the strip.  If you think you will lose, you will lose.  If you think you will win, you can win.

Our coaches reinforce resiliency, self-esteem and self-confidence by breaking down the game into small steps.  Every day includes victories both small and large. 

Our Camps