FORGE is thrilled to welcome one of the most accomplished figures in American fencing to our coaching team, three-time Olympian Mika'il Sankofa.
Coach Sankofa brings more than three decades of coaching, leadership, and competitive excellence to FORGE. As a three-time U.S. Olympian, two-time U.S. National Sabre Champion, four-time NCAA Champion, and member of the United States Fencing Hall of Fame, his accomplishments speak GOAT. Beyond his competitive career, he has dedicated his life to developing athletes at every level, from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to nationally and internationally ranked competitors.
His coaching journey includes serving as Head Coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point, co-founding the renowned Peter Westbrook Foundation, and building successful fencing programs that emphasize technical excellence, confidence, discipline, and character. Throughout his career, Coach Sankofa has helped develop numerous national champions, Junior World Team members, and Olympic hopefuls while creating opportunities for young athletes through mentorship and community outreach.
For FORGE, this addition represents far more than another coach joining our staff.
"As the fencing club landscape has changed over the decades since the founding of Mid-South Fencers’ Club. I have remained committed to building programs that elevate the status of fencing not only in North Carolina, but in the United States," said FORGE owner Jen Oldham. "Coach Sankofa's presence aligns with our values and our vision for the future of fencing and Team USA. We couldn't be more excited to welcome someone whose commitment to developing great athletes and great people mirrors what our community has built over the decades."
Coach Sankofa's experience will immediately add and strengthen opportunities for our athletes through world-class instruction, mentorship, and competitive preparation. More importantly, his influence will help shape the long-term future of our program as we remain committed to being a premier competitive saber program in the Southeast and sharing the love of fencing for all three of the Olympic-style weapons and parafencing.
“His arrival reinforces our commitment to providing North Carolina fencers access to elite coaching without leaving home.” Coach Jen Oldham
Alvin So is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Duke University and a former competitive sabre fencer for the Hong Kong National Team, having competed in multiple international tournaments.
As a coach and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he combines his psychology degree from UCLA with performance psychology principles to develop athletes both physically and mentally. Alvin aims to work at the intersection of fencing performance and rehabilitation to better serve the fencing community.
Jennifer K. Oldham, M.S., is a nationally recognized fencing coach and leader with experience in high-performance athlete development, club management and in both private club and NCAA coaching. Coach Jen combines her background in counseling psychology with extensive technical expertise to foster resilient, independent athletes.
Her career includes serving as a designated coach for Team USA, chairing the US Fencing Coaches Association Certification and Accreditation Board, and co-founding WFencing to advance professional development for women in the sport. Jennifer has guided over 100 national medalists and 7 international medalists, consistently advocating for long-term coaching and athlete development programs within Team USA. She is the owner of Forge Fencing Academy and Club and consultant with Forge Sport Consulting.
Join Us This Fall
We invite you to be part of this legacy:
Fall Memberships are now open. Be part of the excitement! Want to train? We are recommitted to our Elite/National training group and expanded our youth programming to include an ages 7-9 Level I class and a Youth High Performance Program for our competitive youth program. Coach Sankofa begins September 1, 2026.
Thank you for continuing to like, share and support the growth of Olympic fencing in North Carolina and in welcoming Coach Mika'il Sankofa to FORGE. We are excited for what lies ahead—not only this season, but for the future of American fencing.