Discipline builds champions.
We believe fencing is more than a sport. It's a system for developing focus, resilience, and strategic thinking. Every session at SFE is designed to challenge athletes mentally and physically.
Systematic progression.
From first-time beginners to competitive athletes, our coaching methodology emphasizes structured development. Athletes advance through clearly defined levels with individualized feedback at every stage.
A club for everyone.
SFE welcomes youth, adults, and families. Whether you're exploring fencing for the first time or training for national competition, you'll find a place here and a team behind you.
Coaching Staff
Our coaches bring competitive experience, technical depth, and a genuine passion for developing athletes at every level.
Coach Anthony
Coach Anthony Lum Vella brings over 16 years of fencing experience and more than 10 years of coaching experience to SFE Fencing Club. A multi-weapon coach with experience across foil, saber, and epee, Coach Vella supports youth beginners, intermediate students, adult classes, private lessons, camps, and competitive training.
His coaching style is technical, supportive, competitive, and strategy-focused. He believes in helping students develop through systematic progression, while still enjoying the sport and building confidence one step at a time. Whether working with a first-time beginner or a developing competitive athlete, Coach Vella emphasizes focus, discipline, strategy, and personal growth.
As a former competitive fencer, Coach Vella has competed across local, regional, and national events, with experience dating back to childhood. His background gives him a strong understanding of both the technical and mental sides of the sport.
Originally born in England and raised in San Francisco, Coach Vella brings a thoughtful and well-rounded perspective to coaching. Outside of fencing, his interests include Wing Chun, classical guitar, and motorcycles. One of his favorite parts of coaching is seeing students realize that they enjoy competing and discovering what they are capable of through the sport.
Coach Bryson Cooke
Bryson Cooke is the CEO of SFE Fencing Club and a member of USA Fencing, currently pursuing coaching status with a focus on saber. His passion for fencing grew under the guidance of his coach, Nicolas Rousset, whose influence helped shape Bryson's appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and character-building power of the sport.
Before founding SFE, Bryson, a former NCAA Div 1 student athlete and professional athlete, spent more than 10 years coaching youth sports, including football and baseball. That experience gave him a strong foundation in mentorship, team culture, athletic development, and helping young athletes build confidence through structure, repetition, and positive coaching.
At SFE, Bryson brings a CEO's vision and a coach's mindset to the club experience. His approach centers on discipline, confidence, movement, and personal growth — helping students develop not only as fencers, but as focused, resilient young athletes. He is especially passionate about introducing new students to fencing in a way that feels modern, supportive, and inspiring.
Through SFE Fencing Club, Bryson is building a community where youth, adults, and families can experience the sport through all three weapons — saber, foil, and epee — while developing focus, confidence, athletic intelligence, and a deeper respect for the art of fencing.
Join SFE Fencing Club.
Memberships, camps, and events — all in one place. Register today and start your fencing journey with us.