Tactical Elevation Clinic
Tactical Elevation Clinic
previously known as the Future Champions Intensive Clinic
April 3-5, 2026
Description:
In this three-day clinic, athletes will leave with clearer tactical decision-making, sharper and more efficient technique, and greater confidence under pressure. Training with elite coaches Kosmas Karakolis, Andrea Baroglio, and Francesca Vai, fencers will learn how to read opponents, control distance, and fight with purpose in critical moments. Each session is designed to deliver practical tools that translate directly to competition. This clinic is built for athletes ready to elevate their performance on the strip.
Note: Athletes will be carefully grouped by age and skill level to optimize training intensity, ensure safety, and provide a focused, high-quality learning experience tailored to each participant.
Schedule:
Friday, Apr 3: 6pm-9pm
Saturday, Apr 4: 10am-4pm
Sunday, Apr 5: 10am-4pm
Private lessons with Kosmas Karakolis are available before and after the clinic each day for clinic attendees. Limited spots available. Sign up HERE
Link to register: KaizenFencing.com or email info@KaizenFencing.com
WHO IT’S FOR
Fencers with at least 1 year of experience (athletes grouped by age and skill level)
Athletes ready to move beyond the fundamentals and focus on tactical awareness and strategic growth
Competitors who want to gain an edge through understanding and smart decision-making, not guesswork
Training focuses on:
Stronger fundamentals in footwork, blade work, and distance control
Improved tactical awareness and decision-making during bouts
Increased confidence and composure under pressure
Individual feedback to help athletes progress at their own level
A positive, high-energy training environment that challenges and motivates
Clinic Structure
Professionally structured and led by FCC coaches in collaboration with the Kaizen Academy coaching staff to deliver a focused, high-performance training environment.
Athletes are grouped by age and competitive level to maintain appropriate training intensity and maximize individual athletic development.
Daily training plans, session design, and on-strip supervision are directed by FCC and Kaizen coaches to ensure consistency, safety, and high training standards.
Clinic staff:
Kosmas Karakolis (FCC): Director of Future Champions Camp (FCC) in Milan, Italy; internationally recognized coach with extensive experience developing high-level athletes
Andrea Baroglio (FCC): International-level athlete and coach; extensive experience in elite training environments; specialist in technical precision and tactical efficiency
Francesca Vai (FCC): World Cup medalist and internationally accomplished athlete; brings elite competitive insight and high-performance standards to training
Alvise Porta (Kaizen): Former Head Coach of Società del Giardino (Milan, Italy), one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious fencing clubs; international-level, performance-driven coach
Kevin Mar (Kaizen): Owner and CEO of USA Fencing multi-time award-winning Kaizen Academy; coach of National Champions
Luis Samuel Moreno (Kaizen): Former Chilean National Pentathlon Coach; former member of the Chilean National Team
Stewart Watson (Kaizen): Former High Performance Director for Singapore; extensive experience in elite athlete development and competition preparation
We limit enrollment to ensure each athlete receives personalized attention and precise feedback.
Price:
$300 for Kaizen members, early special. $350 non-Kaizen early. Register by Mar 7, ‘26 with discount code: FCCEARLY1 for this special!
After Mar 7: $350 Kaizen members, $400 non-Kaizen members
Simple lunch is included
Registration is not considered complete until payment is received.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel by Apr 1, ‘26 for a full refund minus a $80 administrative fee
No partial refunds for missed camp days.
Lunch Details
A simple lunch (for example, soup-and-sandwich) will be provided daily.
If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know.
You’re welcome to bring your own lunch—refrigeration and a microwave are available.
Location
Kaizen Academy - Riverside
15362 NE 96th Pl C8
Redmond, WA 98052
Parking
Free on-site parking is available.
Required Gear
full fencing equipment (sword, jacket, fencing pants, half jacket, body cord, mask, fencing socks, glove)
refillable water bottle
Recommended: change of clothes (at least t-shirt)
Limited loaner equipment may be available upon request but is not guaranteed.
Payment Policy
Online payment is strongly recommended to secure a spot.
Walk-in or door payments are accepted only by prior approval and may be subject to additional or double fees.
USA Fencing Membership Requirement
All participants must hold at least a non-competitive (or competitive) USA Fencing membership. Get the membership here: UsaFencing.com (click on “Become a Member”)
Contact Information
For questions or additional information:
Private Lessons with Kosmas Karakolis
A limited opportunity to train individually with Kosmas Karakolis during his visit. These 25-minute private lessons provide targeted, high-level instruction focused on tactical awareness, distance control, and competitive decision-making. Designed to accelerate athlete development through personalized feedback.
You MUST be signed up for the Future Champions Intensive Clinic to be eligible for private lessons with Kosmos.
Sign up HERE
Availability is limited while Kosmas is in town.
25-minute private lesson | $80
About the visiting coaches / athletes
Kosmas Karakolis
What really sets Kosmas apart is his tactical intelligence and creativity. He’s one of those fencers who doesn’t just execute actions — he builds them. He reads opponents incredibly well, adapts fast, and is known for making smart, sometimes unexpected choices under pressure. Add to that his deep international experience and coaching background, and you get someone who understands fencing not just as an athlete, but as a system — timing, psychology, preparation, and long-term development.
Andrea Baroglio
Andrea’s hallmark is precision and structure. His fencing is clean, efficient, and technically sound, with excellent distance control. He’s incredibly strong at teaching fundamentals the right way, which is why athletes working with him often show rapid, measurable improvement. Andrea is also known for his calm presence — he brings clarity and confidence to fencers, especially in high-pressure competitive environments.
Francesca Vai
Francesca stands out for her fighting spirit and competitive mindset. She’s intense, fearless, and mentally tough — the kind of fencer who never gives away a touch. Her experience at the highest international level gives her a sharp understanding of what it takes to win on the big stage, especially in terms of mental resilience, match management, and belief. She’s also exceptional at helping athletes unlock aggression without losing control.
Why this combination is special
Together, they represent:
🧠 Strategy & adaptability (Kosmas)
🎯 Technical clarity & efficiency (Andrea)
🔥 Mental toughness & competitive edge (Francesca)
That mix is rare. It’s not just about producing strong fencers — it’s about creating thinking, confident, resilient athletes who know how to solve problems on the strip.
Upcoming clinics
Summer Nationals Champions Clinic: June, 2026 (Coming soon)
December Elite Champions Clinic: A premier, high-performance clinic for advanced fencers — participation by rating and coach approval only: December, 2026 (Coming soon)