M SUN
Being a part of the San Francisco Fencing Academy has been an extraordinary experience for our family. Brandon and Stacy, the owners and coaches, are truly one of a kind in their dedication, philosophy, and the individualized attention they give to every fencer—no matter where they are in their journey. My 13-year-old discovered his love for fencing at a community event where Brandon and Stacy gave a demonstration. He was immediately captivated by Brandon’s diverse and thoughtful teaching approach—how he connects fencing movements to everyday life, and how beautiful fencing is as a sport through Brandon’s eyes as a combination of technique, focus, and strategy. Brandon’s energy and passion are contagious! We are now regular members of the club, and as a parent of two athletic children who have participated in many different sports and programs, I can say with confidence that SF Fencing Academy is a rare gem. Students get truly personalized training and pathways tailored to each individual to improve. Credited to Brandon and Stacy’s care and guidance, there is a strong community of all ages, backgrounds, and levels locally and internationally. We train together, support one another, and continuously learn from each other. My son one day came home extremely energized by the unique experience where Brandon encouraged and guided him to do parafencing on a chair. He enjoyed it so much because it taught him how to isolate épée movement from leg work. Experiences like this are common at the academy —fencers are often encouraged to practice with a blindfold to build awareness and speed, and it deepens their understanding of the sport. Last but not least, the level of training there is top-notch. Brandon is an elite-level fencing coach, and fencing Olympians and Paralympians are frequent visitors of the club. I couldn’t be happier that my son is part of SF Fencing Academy. I see a lifelong passion, mentorship, and meaningful friendships taking shape. While there are many fencing clubs in the Bay Area, we travel across the bridge twice a week to the SF Fencing Academy. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community.