BIDA FENCING ACADEMY OLYMPIC GRAND FENCING CAMP 2 WEEK (EPEE)

OLYMPIC GRAND CAMP — ÉPÉE VOLUME WEEK

High-Volume Competitive Épée Training

This week is the second phase of the BFA Olympic Grand Camp and is dedicated exclusively to épée fencing.

If the first phase builds the physical foundation, this week is about volume and quality of bouts —

a large number of high-level épée fights, repeated under controlled conditions, designed to develop endurance, tactical patience, and consistency.

This is where épée fencers learn to maintain clarity, precision, and discipline across long days and many bouts.

Purpose of This Week

The primary objective of this camp is deliberate bout volume:

1. many competitive bouts,
2. repeated high-pressure situations,
3. sustained focus over extended training blocks.

This mirrors how elite épée athletes and national teams prepare for:

1. long competition days,
2. deep DE runs,
3. and the unique physical and mental demands of épée fencing.

Épée-Specific Training Focus

Training during this week emphasizes:

1. high-volume épée bouting
2. distance control and timing under fatigue
3. patience and tactical discipline
4. decision-making without right-of-way
5. maintaining technical precision late in the day
6. managing score situations and tempo

The goal is not to fence aggressively at all costs,

but to build reliable, repeatable épée performance.

Elite Coaching Team

This épée-focused week is led by BFA’s experienced épée coaching staff:

Zhanna Bikkina — Stanford Assistant Coach, Coach of national team athletes, World Champions, and Pan American Champions

Sergey Bida — Olympic Silver Medalist, World No. 1 (2019–2020), World Champion

Violetta Bida — Olympian, 3× World Champion, 3x European Champion

The coaching team works within a single, unified BFA system, ensuring structure, clarity, and consistency throughout the camp.

Expanded Competitive Environment

To support the high-volume épée format, this camp includes:

1. invited épée fencers from clubs across the United States,
2. additional sparring partners to ensure variety of styles, tempos, and tactical approaches.

This environment forces athletes to:

1. adapt quickly to unfamiliar opponents,
2. manage different pacing and distance strategies,
3. and fence with discipline across repeated bouts.

What Athletes Will Experience

1. Multiple daily épée bouts with a wide range of opponents
2. Structured high-volume sparring blocks
3. Tactical and technical corrections during and after bouts
4. Continuous coach feedback focused on efficiency and decision-making
5. Learning how to manage energy, patience, and concentration across volume

This is not open fencing.

This is structured, intentional épée work.

Who This Camp Is For

1. Competitive épée fencers
2. Intermediate, Advanced, and Olympic-level athletes
3. Fencers preparing for a demanding competitive season
4. Athletes ready to handle both physical and mental load

Groups are organized by age and level to preserve training quality.

Camp Schedule (Week 2)

Monday – Friday:

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Lunch break: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Dates (2026)

Week 2: August 3 – August 7

Why This Week Matters for Épée

Épée rewards patience, precision, and mental control —

especially when fatigue sets in.

This week teaches athletes how to:

1. stay tactically disciplined across many bouts,
2. maintain distance and timing late in the day,
3. and perform consistently under pressure.

That ability is what separates trained épée fencers from truly prepared competitors.

Limited Enrollment

Enrollment is limited to ensure:

1. meaningful bout volume,
2. high-quality sparring,
3. and individual coaching feedback.

Practical Information

Parking: Free on-site and nearby street parking

Spectators: Parents welcome in designated areas; sideline coaching not permitted

Refund Policy:

1. Full refund (minus $50 fee) up to 21 days before camp
2. 50% refund up to 14 days before camp
3. Credit only within 13 days (medical exceptions with documentation)

Payments:

Online payment recommended. Walk-ins accepted only with approval and may be subject to additional fees.

USA Fencing Requirement:

All participants must hold at least a non-competitive USA Fencing membership.

📩 Questions:

camp@bidafencingacademy.com