Academy
Of Fencing Masters
ART OF FENCING, ART OF LIFE
It’s Not Just About Winning
Welcome to the Academy of Fencing Masters (AFM), one of the country’s largest and best fencing clubs specializing in epee fencing. We’re dedicated to nurturing and inspiring fencers of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. With vibrant locations in Campbell and Sunnyvale, CA, we offer a tailored fencing program to every student. AFM is the only US fencing club to win the USA Fencing Club of Excellence Award astonishing four times in 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and the only fencing club in the country to be recognized by the US Congress with their Special Congressional Recognition Award for our contribution in development of the sport of fencing.
AFM is home to the Olympic and World Medalists, USA champions, national team members, and World Cup medalists. Our world-class coaching team, led by Italian National Coach Carmine Carpenito, includes five Olympians, four World Champions, and International fencing stars, making us a unique club with so many world-class fencing stars on one team! Welcome to AFM, where fencers develop their life values and hone their character, where the dreams take flight and the champions are forged.
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Awards and Results
Welcome to AFM
a place where we celebrate the validation of the dedicated work of our fencers, families, and coaches across more than a decade. While we pursue excellence relentlessly, we know for certain that the reward is always in the satisfaction of the journey. It is of course gratifying for our community to be recognized at the highest levels, and for that we are greatly honored.
Our commitment to fostering top-tier athletes and exceptional individuals has garnered prestigious recognition over the last 11 years. We’ve been recognized for our contribution to the sport’s development, and our accolades mirror the dedication and achievements of our fencers and coaching staff.
Leehi Machiulsky, with her coach Zhanna Bikkina by her side, won the Bronze medal in the 2024 Junior World Championships in Saudi Arabia
Daniel Chirashnya, became a USA Champion in Youth 14 Men’s Epee. 2023 USA Fencing National Championships & July Challenge (Summer Nationals)
Two national medalists in Youth 10ME, March NAC 2024 – Max Ding and Evan Tubaltzev with their coach Carmine Carpenito
Veterans WE Team, gold medal: Haejung Hofman, Kira Hansen, Heidi Chang. 2023 USA Fencing National Championships & July Challenge
Vet WE Team Gold SN
Suzanne Bloomer, National medalist in Veterans WE 50, 2023 USA Fencing National Championships & July Challenge
Sergey Schindler won the Bronze medal in Veteran ME 60, 2023 USA Fencing National Championships & July Challenge – with coach Slava Novoselov
Kai Anderson, national medalist in Div III, Summer Nationals 2023 – with coach Carmine Carpenito
Daniel Chirashnya, Bronze medalist in Cadet ME, November NAC 2023 – with his coach Carmine Carpenito
Senior Men’s Epee Team – Gold medal in the 2023 USA Fencing National Championships & July Challenge (Summer Nationals). Sergey Bida, Ben Kim, Daniel Chirashnya, Adam Chirashnya
Academy of Fencing Masters Blog
Art of Fencing, Art of Life
Open by Andre Agassi: The Book Every Fencing Parent and Fencer Should Read
I recently finished reading Andre Agassi's autobiography "Open" and I can't stop thinking about it. To tell the truth, I bought this book a few years ago, four or five (or maybe even six-seven, as kids would joke). Somehow I postponed reading it expecting to find a...
How to Qualify for USA Fencing Summer Nationals 2026
The 2025-2026 fencing season is half way through! Regional and National competitions are running across the country, and even International season had started. As you sharpen your skills, attended a few your target tournaments, it's time to set your sights on the big...
The Mental Warm-Up: Why Your Brain Needs Preparation As Much As Your Body
You wouldn't dream of stepping onto the strip without a physical warm-up. No one walks into a bout cold - no footwork, no blade work, no stretching - and expects their body to perform at its best. Everyone understands that muscles need preparation. But what about your...
Join our Family
Welcome to Academy of Fencing Masters, where the art of fencing meets the art of life.
Are you ready to experience the thrill of swordplay, the excitement of graceful footwork, and the exhilaration of competition? Look no further! Our fencing classes cater to all ages and skill levels, whether you’re a kid who’s been begging your parents to let them hold a sword, a serious fencer with experience who’s ready to take their competition skill to the highest level, or an adult who wants to jump into a new hobby.
AFM is more than just a place to learn fencing – we’re a family club that prides itself on building a strong community.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert Instruction: Our team of world-class coaches brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for fencing, giving every student personalized guidance and instruction.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train in our top-notch facilities that offer a clean, organized, and dynamic learning environment.
- Friendly Community: Join a vibrant community of fencers and fencing families, where camaraderie and mutual support thrive, creating lasting friendships beyond the piste.
Ready to Enroll?
Signing up for our fencing classes is simple. Just click below to join the AFM community. Experience the excitement of fencing and unleash your potential with our supportive staff and expert coaches.
Join Academy of Fencing Masters today and embark on an incredible journey of skill, strategy, and camaraderie!
AFM Team
Irina Chirashnya
CEO
Igor Chirashnya
Program Director
Carmine Carpenito
Head Coach
Gregory Bremel
Coach
Samuel Gallagher Pelletier
Coach
Alexander Maximovich
Coach
Natasha Maximovich
Coach
Vivien Maya
Coach
Jean Michel Lucenay
Coach
