All our coaches are professionals and their knowledge of fitness allows them to make all classes and camps fun and productive.
Due to their fencing expertise our coaches are able to train anyone from beginners to world-class fencers.
Sergei Gritsaev Foil Epee Head Coach
Master of Sport USSR.
Master degree in physical education and sport.
Over 30 years experience in teaching physical education and the fencing sport at different levels, including training the members of the Ukrainian National Fencing Team in their participation in the Olympic Games, World Fencing Championships, and other international competitions. Member of USFA (United State Fencing Association) and FIE (International Fencing Federation).
National Ranked Referee in all three weapons.
International FIE Referee (Foil, Sabre).
Konstantin Gritsaev Sabre Head Coach
Master of Sport Ukraine.
Degree in physical education and sport.
National Champion, a member of Cadet and Junior National Sabre Team 2000-2002. Competed in numerous World Cups, and European and World championships. At age 16 was in World's top eight Cadet Sabre fencers.
Over 5 years experience in teaching physical education and over 17 years in the fencing sport at different levels.
National Ranked Referee in Saber.
Jair Cortazar Sabre Epee Coach
Coach Jair Cortázar is a registered coach with the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA), United States Fencing Association Certified Referee, and a competitive registered athlete with the United States Fencign Association. He, has been training in the United States since 2002. He is founder of the UVU Fencing club (Wolverine Swords Alliance) which he currently coaches. He served as a volunteer coach for 2 years training students for the BYU Fencing Club Rebel Swords. Jair is also the founder of the former Utah Valley Fencing Academy Inc., which currently is part of Utah Swords Academy. Coach Cortázar has trained athletes of all ages to compete locally, regionally and nationally. Coach Cortázar himself is an active fencing athlete who represents the Utah South Idaho Division and his native country Colombia in fencing competitions such as North American Cups other national events.
Coach assistant Laurel McFarland
Coach assistant.
Laurel and her husband Sean have 4 children, all of whom have fenced to some degree. Laurel has participated in several sports throughout her life and is adept at teaching children.
Her success as a teacher in several different capacities is due to her genuine respect and care for others. Laurel is studying fine art portraiture painting and is also working on a separate degree from Brigham Young University in the Humanities.