I started fencing in 2017 after attending a birthday party taster session, followed by a short weekly trial. That first experience introduced me to a sport unlike anything I’d ever tried before. While fencing is often seen as a solo, one-on-one competition, I quickly discovered it’s much more than that.
When the COVID pandemic hit and schools moved online, fencing became one of the few constants in my life—a time to connect with friends, grow together, and deal with life’s challenges. It taught me the value of coopetition—learning to support others while competing with them.
As I progressed, I naturally moved from being a student to helping others. I began coaching newer fencers and refereeing during training sessions, which eventually led me to officiate formal competitions. These roles didn’t just help me grow—they allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me.
Fencing has had a profound impact on my life—building confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of community. But I also know how confusing and intimidating the sport can seem from the outside. That’s why I founded this nonprofit: to open the doors for others and share the same opportunities and growth that fencing has given me over the past decade.