fencing
I am a volunteer fencing coach and current president of the board of directors at Metro Tacoma Fencing Club in Lakewood, Washington. This website provides some information about my background for my students and their parents as well as some links to some useful fencing resources.
I began fencing while attending Lakeside High School in 1986. I was a member of the Harvard varsity épée team coached by international Fencing Master Branimir Zivkovic. After college I was busy with medical school and my medical training so did not fence for 14 years. When my two oldest boys were old enough to start fencing I began competing again (and in some weapons like foil and sabre I began competing for the first time ever). I have enjoyed spending my time as one of the coaches for the Youth Program Metro Tacoma Fencing Club since 2008.
I am a certified fencing coach with an accreditation level of Fencing Master in épée and Prévôt in foil, awarded by the US Fencing Coaches Association.
While I would enjoy having my own group of private fencing students taking individual lessons from me, my job as a physician makes it impossible since my schedule is so unpredictable. I simply do not know when I can be at the club next. And kids need a regular routine if they want to be successful with their fencing. As a result, I only coach my own children individually. However, if there is anything I can do to help you connect with one of the other coaches for private lessons at our club, please let me know.
The Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE)—the world governing body on fencing—holds three world championships each year, and Team USA sends its top-ranking fencers to these tournaments to represent our nation on the international stage. After the Summer National Championships in 2022 I earned a coveted spot as a member of the 2022 Veteran World Team competing in Veteran 50 (50-59 years old) men's épée in Croatia. I was thrilled to compete again at the Veteran Fencing World Championships in 2024 held in the United Arab Emirates and was estatic to earn a bronze medal. My coach is my son Andrew Lee.
I currently have a weapons rating of A2024 in épée and B2022 in foil. I had an E2019 in sabre whic has expired. My highest ranking has been 1st in the United States and 8th in the world in veteran 50 (ages 50-59 years old) men's épée in 2024. I also am a rated referee in foil (rating of R1 in 2012) and épée (rating of R2 in 2012).
My proudest achievement in fencing is seeing the success of my sons. My three sons have been consistently ranked nationally, and my two oldest have competed internationally representing the United States. My youngest son started to compete at a national level in 2017 and earned national points in both foil and épée starting in in 2018. He was the division 2 men's foil national champion in 2023.
Recommended reading: Fencing: A Practical Guide for Training Young Athletes by Rob Handelman and Connie Louie which is a sabre-oriented text but outstanding as an overall resource for youth competitive fencing. They have also put together a version for foil. Unfortunately they are unlikely to write an épée textbook. The Care and Feeding of All Things Fencing by Michael Mergens will help with all aspects of fencing equipment troubleshooting and repair. This resource can help you put together your own weapon.
