Teaching strategy and agility, Alliance Fencing Academy offers fencing camps throughout the summer at both its Houston and Oak Ridge North locations.

Owner Andrey Geva said he has helped students become national fencing champions and even train for the Olympics. Geva served as the U.S. women’s Olympic fencing team coach in the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janiero, Brazil.

In the summer months, beginner fencing camps are offered at the academy location on Robinson Road for ages 6-14, and more experienced fencers can attend camp at the Houston location.

Office Manager Sarah Thow said there will be three camps at the Oak Ridge North location in June, July and August. Each camp takes place in the morning and afternoon, and classes last one week, she said.

“We supply all the equipment, and we teach kids the basics of fencing,” Thow said. “We’ve been doing these camps for probably about 10-12 years now. It’s unique because it’s a physical game of chess. Your mind is also active while [fencing].

Thow said the camp costs $250 per fencer and is held indoors in the facility from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If the student has a sibling participating, parents also receive a 20 percent discount on the fee.

A variety of classes are also available at the academy and include group classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced fencers ages 5 and older. Individual lessons are also available for all ages and levels as well as lessons specifically designed for home-schooled students. Birthday parties can also be held at the facility, which include an introduction to the history of fencing and sports games.