Head Coach Oleksiy Fortunatov

Oleksiy Fortunatov is an internationally renowned fencer and coach who has trained national champions and has won numerous gold medals himself at prestigious fencing competitions throughout the world. He has been a member of the Ukrainian Cadet, Junior and Senior National teams, and has twenty first place titles at National Ukrainian fencing competitions, as well as many gold, silver and bronze medals. He has earned the formal recognition of the president of Ukraine for his success in fencing.

Oleksiy Fortunatov is a high caliber coach with a track record of producing champions. He coached the top national cadet fencers in Ukraine, coaching them to win 4th place in the Junior World Cup in Portugal in 2004 and 7th place in the Cadet World Cup in Bulgaria. He has also coached Nadia Kazirmirtchuk, who is the Ukrainian female champion, Olympian and multiple medalist in World Cups throughout Ukraine, Europe, and the world.

Oleksiy Fortunatov comes to us with the highest credentials available in the sport of fencing. He completed his Masters degree from The National University of Physical College and Sports of Ukraine. This is a highly prestigious institution in Ukraine, which has produced Olympic and World Cup champions. His degree from this institution is recognized internationally and enables him to coach national and international Cadet, Junior and Div I teams anywhere in the world. This specialty degree is only granted to 2-3 fencing coaches in Ukraine every year.

Maitre d'Armes Guillaume Bechaux

Guillaume Bechaux is an internationally renowned Fencing Master and coach who has trained national and world champions. He is a Master of Arms in the First Degree from France, an extremely prestigious title from a country known for its fencing champions. He has won top medals in all three weapons, placing 1st (team), 2nd (individual) and 5th (individual) at major fencing championships in Lyon and St. Malo. From 1995-1996 he was member of the “Groupe France” National Epee Fencing Team. He has coached at world renowned fencing clubs in France and Belgium: The Royal and Knightly Main Guild of St. Michael in Ghent has been a world famous fencing club since 1613; The Academie d’Escrime in Vauban Lille is the first and one of the most famous fencing clubs in the world, D’Artagnan, the famous Musketeer from the 17th century was Head Coach of this club; and The Three Arms of Senlis club frequently has top medalists at world cup events.

In addition to his contributions in coaching the French National Team, Guillaume coached the famous Cyril More. Cyril More was the 2007 European Champion in Saber, the 2007 French National Champion in Epee and Saber and the 2004 Athen Paralympic Games Epee individual gold and senior team gold medalist. He has coached David Maillard, 2004 Athens Paralympic Games Epee senior team gold medalist. Ronan Mifsud, whom Guillaume also coached, took junior and senior championship titles, as well as Bronze Medal in the Cadet World Cup in Sttutgart Germany and another Bronze Medal in the National Championships of France in Bordeaux in 2007.

Guillaume has also been fencing technical advisor for two years for the region of Nord Pas de Calais.

Coach Brian Davis

Brian Davis has fenced competitively on the west coast for the last ten years, finishing as a finalist in multiple section and divisional events. As a fencer, he has trained in clinics with coaches from China, Germany, Austria, Russia, and Ukraine.

He has worked as Assistant Foil Coach for USFA clubs as well as club collegiate teams and is a member coach of the US Fencing Association. Currently, he is responsible for Introductory youth foil development at SFFC.

The Olympic sport of fencing has a tradition of encouraging excellence, from fitness and self-confidence to competitive success and admission to the nation's top schools.

The San Francisco Fencers' Club specializes in identifying and nurturing young talent in a fun and active atmosphere. Our international coaching staff develops programs for both recreational and competitive fencers.

Classes are available for all experience levels, with beginning classes starting monthly. Children as young as five years are encouraged to attend!

The San Francisco Fencers' Club has created an acclaimed program that balances an inclusive environment with an emphasis on athletic achievement and measurable outcomes.

This balance is made possible by an extremely high coach-to-student ratio. Coaches and staff are mentors and role models who are united in the care and development of our athletes.

San Francisco Fencers’ Club is a purpose-renovated state-of-the-art fencing facility. It features a sprung wood fencing surface and modern Olympic style electronic scoring equipment.

We offer a full service in-house armory for equipment sales and repair.

Other amenities include equipment lockers for rent and a parents lounge area.

Coach Beau Mitchum

Beau Mitchum is a fencing instructor certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association. He is a former nationally ranked foil fencer, with 11 years of coaching experience in the Bay Area, specializing in the development of youth foil fencers.