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.
Forge Fencing Teams is proud to host the 2024 Bull City Regional Youth and Junior Circuit event on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th & 29th, 2024. Events will feature Youth-8, Youth-10, Youth-12, and Youth-14 and Junior events in foil, epee, and saber styles of Olympic fencing. We are expecting 400 athletes with over 551 event registrations. Fencers and families from seven different states Region 6 of USA Fencing, including Forge Fencing Academy & Club in Durham, NC, will be attending – this will be an amazing event!
With the conclusion of Forge at the 2024 Summer Nationals & July Challenge, and the start of a new USA Fencing competitive season upon us, we’d like to extend CONGRATULATIONS to all Forge Fencers who competed locally, regionally, and nationally in the past season (2023-2024). Your accomplishments were impressive!
Forge Fencing kicked off the 2024-2025 fencing season with the 14th annual Big Blue tournament. The 2024 Forge BIG BLUE Tournament is the perennial NC fencing “season starter” competition. We came together as a community to celebrate the new season and compete 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.
Forge has 28 fencers competing in 61 events (individual and team) in all three weapons (foil, epee, and saber) at the 2024 USA Fencing Summer National Championships and July Challenge, June 29th-July 8th in Columbus, OH. In the largest USA Fencing Summer Nationals to date, this will be the largest Forge Fencing Team to attend
