Lilov Fencing Academy: Your Path to Fencing Excellence

At Lilov Fencing Academy, we foster a unique and supportive community that encourages fencers of all levels to thrive and reach their full potential. Our experienced coaches and dedicated teammates provide a welcoming environment that enables beginners to learn the basics of fencing while pushing experienced fencers to sharpen their skills. Whether you’re looking to take your first steps into fencing or seeking to refine your skills to the highest level, our academy’s commitment to the sport and family legacy can help you achieve your goals.

Lilov Fencing Academy is more than just a club; it’s a family legacy that has been passed down from our founder and grandfather, Vladimir Lilov, to his son Serge, who has been leading the academy for the past decade.

Serge’s passion for fencing and coaching has allowed him to continue the tradition of training a new generation of fencers to be their best, both on and off the strip. As a proud Penn State alumnus, Serge’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his experience as a student-athlete and his personal connection to the sport.

Serge’s son Neil Lilov started his fencing journey at the age of 9, displaying an early aptitude for the sport. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication, earning top – three finishes in medal standings across all age categories at national championships. In 2021, he was chosen to represent Team USA at the Cadet World Championship. Since then, he has been continuing to compete as a proud member of the Penn State Nittany Lions fencing team and as a Junior World Team member, carrying on our family legacy.

What Makes Our Fencing Academy Different

Every fencing club will tell you they care about their athletes. We’d rather show you what that actually looks like.

Our mission is simple: to create a welcoming environment where children of all abilities can thrive through the sport of fencing. With personalized instruction and world-class coaching from former Olympians and National Team Coaches, we empower young athletes to excel both on the piste and in life. We’re dedicated to fostering personal growth, building confidence, and helping each child reach their fullest potential — in fencing and beyond.

But a mission statement only matters if it’s backed by how we actually coach. So here’s what our philosophy looks like in practice.

Coaching is a passion, not a job. Our coaches are true fanatics of the sport, deeply invested in every fencer who walks through our doors. We take the time to know each athlete as a whole person — their strengths and weaknesses on the strip, the subjects they love or struggle with at school, what motivates them, and what challenges them. That personal understanding is the foundation of meaningful coaching, and it’s what allows us to tailor instruction in a way that truly resonates with each child.

Quality over quantity. We intentionally limit the number of private lessons each coach gives per day. Unlike larger clubs where coaches may give 15 or more private lessons daily and inevitably run out of steam, our coaches bring 100% energy, focus, and enthusiasm to every session. When your child steps onto the piste with us, they get a coach who is fully present, fully engaged, and genuinely excited to be there.

Development over results. We take a thoughtful, long-term approach to competition. Fencers are sent to tournaments only when they’re truly ready, allowing us to gradually build their mental toughness and confidence at a pace that sets them up for success rather than discouragement. Youth tournaments, in our view, are stepping stones, not finish lines. Our goal is to prepare each fencer to peak when it truly matters — during their cadet and junior years, when results begin to shape their athletic future.

If that sounds like the kind of environment you want for your child, we’d love to meet you.