San Diego Longsword Warrior Camp Youth Program

San Diego Longsword Warrior Camp Youth Program introduces kids to the knightly art of historical fencing through longsword lessons and lessons of fencing in the style of a medieval knight. The program includes learning the art of longsword dueling under the guidance of friendly coaches, demonstrations of historical fencing, and time spent every day engaged in these activities. Campers delve into details of medieval history, learn the ideals of the code of chivalry, and gain insights into historical events and the context of the knight in the Middle Ages. They also handle replica historical arms and armor, take part in an interactive armor display, try on replica medieval helmets and maille, and handle real arms and armor under the watchful eye of experienced coaches and historical experts. High-energy training games such as warrior dodge ball, warrior dodgeball games, team training games, and melees are part of the camp schedule.

• Ages: 8–14 years old
• Schedule: Week-long day-camp

San Diego Longsword Warrior Camp Youth Program is part of San Diego Longsword, a Western Martial Arts (WMA) or Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) interpretive training class coordinated by the Chivalry Today Educational Program. The program interprets and recreates fighting techniques in the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, a 14th century fencing master, as described in historical manuscripts, and applies the ideals of the warrior’s code of honor and chivalry. The mission of San Diego Longsword is Western Martial Arts and historical medieval fencing, with a focus on honor, respect, and the ideals of chivalry in action.

The leadership team includes Scott Farrell, Founder, Program Director, and Head Coach; Loreen Mattis, Education Program Administrator and Coach; and Richard Orazi, Longsword Instructor. Scott Farrell has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of arms, armor, and medieval military history and has extensively studied the historic manuscripts and written numerous articles on the subject. Loreen Mattis has been a Western Martial Artist since 2017, has extensively studied the fighting arts, and is a professional high school educator. Richard Orazi has been practicing the art of historical fencing (German longsword) since 2011, has instructed in San Diego Longsword’s classes since 2013, is well-known for his highly technical applications of the practices described in the historical manuscripts, is an accomplished practitioner of I.33 style sword and buckler, and won the title of “Baronial Champion” in the Calafia Anniversary Tournament in 2017 after participating in numerous SCA and WMA tournaments throughout the country.

Scott Farrell has given lectures and demonstrations for groups including The San Diego Shakespeare Society, The San Diego Historical Society, University of California Irvine Faculty Club, San Diego State University, Kiwanis International, The Rotary Club, The Boy Scouts of America, Sisters In Crime Mystery Writers, and Romance Writers of America.

Last updated July 6, 2026.