Business Details
29 Years
experience
Premier Fencing Instruction in Pasadena, CA
Swords Fencing Studio has been dedicated to fostering excellence in fencing since its founding in 1997. Our mission is to provide high-quality instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tigran Shaginian, a four-time Russian national champion with over 40 years of coaching experience, we cultivate a supportive community that values sportsmanship and personal growth. Our team of elite coaches includes Olympians and national champions who bring decades of expertise to every lesson. We offer private instruction, group classes, and specialized training programs designed to prepare students for regional, national, and international competitions.Located in Burbank and Pasadena, California, our studios serve as hubs for fencing enthusiasts seeking technical mastery and competitive success. Many of our students have earned recognition at the Junior Olympics and secured spots at prestigious universities through fencing scholarships. We emphasize mental discipline alongside physical skill, helping students develop focus, resilience, and strategic thinking. Our programs include summer and winter camps led by world-class instructors, providing immersive training experiences. By maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention, we ensure each student receives the guidance needed to achieve their full potential in the sport.
Services
Fencing Lessons
Private Instruction
Group Classes
Competitive Training
Summer Camps
Winter Camps
Mental Skills Coaching
Tournament Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer Olympic-level coaching with decades of competitive experience
- Our students consistently rank top 8 nationally in multiple divisions
- We provide personalized training plans for individual skill development
- We maintain small class sizes for focused instructor attention
- We have produced NCAA scholarship athletes and Junior Olympic champions
Services
Fencing Lessons
Structured fencing instruction for all skill levels using Olympic-standard techniques. Our lessons develop proper form, footwork, and strategic thinking through progressive curriculum. Students receive personalized feedback to improve their competitive performance and technical proficiency.
Private Instruction
Customized training sessions tailored to individual goals and skill development needs. Private lessons allow focused attention on specific techniques, competition preparation, or mental strategy enhancement. Sessions are available with all our championship-level coaches.
Competitive Training
Advanced programs designed for tournament success at regional, national, and international levels. Training includes sparring sessions, competition simulation, and performance analysis. Our track record shows consistent top-eight national placements across multiple age divisions.
Summer Camps
Intensive summer training led by Olympic medalists and collegiate head coaches. Camps focus on technical refinement, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Participants receive expert guidance through drills, matches, and strategy sessions.
Winter Camps
Specialized winter training programs featuring guest instructors from top fencing programs. These camps emphasize skill development through concentrated practice sessions, tactical instruction, and competitive scenario training.
People
Tigran Shaginian
Head Coach
Four-time Russian national champion with 40+ years coaching experience. Founded Swords Fencing Studio in 1997. His students have earned NCAA scholarships and national titles in multiple divisions.
Nana Demirchian
Fencing Master
Armenian Junior National Foil Champion with extensive international competition experience. Former USSR national team member who has coached multiple US World Championship representatives.
Jung Jin Sun
Olympic Coach
Bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics with four Asian Championship titles. Brings elite-level competitive experience to our training programs through specialized clinics and mentorship.
Misha Mazur
Assistant Coach
Former Ukrainian national team member with 20 years coaching experience. Contributed to NCAA Championship victories as assistant coach at Ohio State University.
Trevor Shepherd
Mental Skills Coach
National Cadet champion with psychology expertise. Focuses on developing competitive mindset, goal setting, and mental resilience for tournament success.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for fencing lessons?
We teach students from kindergarten through adulthood at both our Burbank and Pasadena locations.
Do you offer both recreational and competitive training programs?
Yes, we provide instruction for all goals including recreational fencing and international competition preparation.
What equipment do I need to start fencing?
Beginners can use our rental equipment while determining their preferred weapon and gear size.
Are there opportunities for tournament participation?
We actively prepare students for USA Fencing competitions and provide guidance on membership requirements.
Do you offer summer and winter fencing camps?
Yes, we host seasonal camps led by Olympic champions and collegiate head coaches.
