FORGE is thrilled to welcome one of the most accomplished figures in American fencing to our coaching team, three-time Olympian Mika’il Sankofa.
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At Forge Fencing, success isn’t only measured only by touches scored, medals won, or tournaments attended. Forge is also a place for developing confidence, initiative, collective responsibility, and leadership.
As our summer ends and a new season starts, we’re proud to celebrate three graduated Forge teen leaders – Josh Sun, Tyson Deck, and Matthew Chaves – whose impact we are seeing far beyond our facility on N. Duke Street in downtown Durham, NC.
We want to focus on more than what happens beyond an individual lesson instead of what happens over thousands of lessons.
We have been thinking a lot about long-term athlete development in fencing. Everyone talks about private lessons, coaching styles, and finding the “best” coach, but very little gets into why certain coaching relationships seem to produce elite athletes over decades. This is designed as a parent and athlete support article.
We want to focus on more than what happens beyond an individual lesson instead of what happens over thousands of lessons.
Portland, Oregon became the epicenter of the fencing world from June 27 to July 6, as over 5,000 competitors descended upon the city for the 2026 Summer Nationals. Among them, the Forge Fencing team delivered a series of high-octane performances, showcasing the depth and tenacity of our North Carolina athletes.
At Forge, success is measured by more than tournament results. Forge Fencing and the Forge Foundation work together to develop leaders through sport, and the Team Values Awards and Forge Foundation Service Awards recognize athletes who exemplify perseverance, resilience, integrity, community, and service. These athletes help strengthen our culture and make Forge a place where everyone can thrive both on and off the strip.
The Forge Fencing community came together for an outstanding March Priority on Youth Tournament, welcoming 55 athletes competing across five events with 65 total registrations. The competition brought together fencers from six clubs across North Carolina, with athletes traveling from as far away as Washington, DC to take part in a day filled with strong performances, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
This past weekend we kicked off the Priority on Youth Tournament Series with our largest season opener ever—and what a launch it was! Fifty young fencers from six clubs across North Carolina came together at Forge Fencing to compete in Youth Foil and Saber events. The energy in the room was electric, the bouts were spirited, and the sense of support among athletes, families, and clubs set the tone for an incredible season ahead.
Once again Forge Fencing kicked off the fencing season with the 2025 Big Blue tournament, our 15th! The community celebrated the new season and competed for a chance to have the winner’s name added to the perpetual trophy. Historically, the “blues” honor North Carolina’s NCAA teams: Duke and UNC – and the competition inside the Forge was no less fierce!
Forge Shines in Milwaukee
Between June 28th and July 7th, Forge Fencing sent 35 athletes to compete in 89 individual events at the 2025 USA Fencing Summer National Championships and July Challenge, held at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Representing all three Olympic weapons – épée, foil, and saber – Forge athletes competed in age events ranging from Youth-10 all the way to Veteran 80, as well as in Division 1, Division 1A, Division 2, and Division 3.
The Forge Fencing travel team wrapped up its Region 6 season with an action-packed weekend at the Fairfax Challenge in Fredericksburg, VA, on May 10–11. Our team of 25 club members – ranging from youth fencers to Veterans (age 40+) – competed in 48 events across all three weapons. We were proud to be supported by Coaches Jeff, Chad, Cathleen, and Stephen, who not only coached but also stepped up on the strip to compete alongside our athletes.
This month, Coach Jeff is heading to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to support the U.S. Parafencing Training Camp. Invited as a coach, he will be working alongside the nation’s top parafencers as they prepare for the USA Fencing National Championships next month in Los Angeles.