Our Coaches
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The coaches at Las Vegas Fencing Academy are unified in terms of their styles of teaching and vision for member advancement. Private lessons can be booked directly with each coach or with front desk. Private lessons are exclusive to LVFA members and incur an additional strip rental fee of $10/ half hour.
LVFA offers instruction in all three fencing disciplines – épée, sabre, and foil. While we are primarily an épée-focused club, we also provide sabre and foil classes, private lessons, and open fencing.
Épée is based on traditional dueling. The entire body is valid target area, and there is no right-of-way—whoever hits first scores. Simultaneous touches award points to both fencers.
Sabre is the fastest weapon. Target area is from the waist to the head, and it uses right-of-way rules to determine which touch counts.
Foil has the smallest target area (torso only) and also uses right-of-way rules, emphasizing precision and timing.
A basic starter kit costs approximately $350 and includes a jacket, arm protector, body cords, chest protector, glove, mask, and weapon. Competitive fencers may later upgrade specific items.
FIE-spec equipment is only required for international-level competition.
We assist with sizing, ordering, and allow borrowing equipment until personal gear arrives.
Beginner fencers do not need to purchase equipment immediately. Coaches will let you know:
- When a fencer is ready to buy personal gear
- What items are appropriate for their level
- Whether tournament-ready equipment is needed
We assist with sizing and allow borrowing of equipment until personal gear arrives.
Aliya Zaydullina
Weapon:
Epee
Classes:
Beginner Epee | Competitive Epee
About:
Coach Aliya has worked as a fencing coach since she finished her competitive career. Aliya is a Master of Sport in Epee, a former member of Uzbekistan’s national epee team, and studied at Olympic Reserve School in Tashkent.
She possesses a Master’s degree with specialization as a fencing coach from the National University of Uzbekistan. She is a multiple champion and medalist of the National Championships in Uzbekistan, the medalist of Asia Championships, and other international competitions. She works especially well with youth and brings a cheerful and engaging atmosphere to all she mentors. She leads our youth development program and is available for private lessons.
Favorite Food: Everything! Especially Traditional Uzbek Foods
James Bui
Weapon:
Epee
Classes:
Open Fencing | Beginner Epee | Competitive Epee
About:
A current tri-weapon coach and DIV 1 Epee fencer, coach James will be your go-to guy for any questions you might have. In the past ten years he’s trained in 6 different countries with all levels of fencers in all age groups.
Constantly adapting and staying up to date with the modern sport, he is a dependable resource to supplement your fencing journey. His students hold medals at every level of competition including local, regional, and national.
James’s coaching approach is tailored to suit each individual’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Through personalized drills, tactical exercises, and one-on-one instruction, James works closely with fencers to develop their technique, footwork, timing, and strategy, helping them become formidable opponents on the piste.
His effective communication and innovative approach to training and fencer development has baffled many opponents (and students), and produced remarkable results. Empathy and compassion are the hallmarks of his coaching style, emphasizing the growth of the fencer both on and off the strip. He is the current acting head coach and general manager at LVFA and is available for private lessons.
Favorite Food: Costco $1.50 Hot Dog Combo
Jimmy Diederichs
Weapon:
Epee
Classes:
Youth Epee | Advanced Epee | Epee Footwork & Conditioning
About:
Professionally coaching since 2019, Coach Jimmy has been instrumental in the development of some of our most decorated advanced fencers, with his students earning accolades at local, regional, and national levels.
His unique perspective as both a coach and competitor allows him to stay at the cutting edge of modern fencing techniques and strategies.
Known for his personalized coaching approach, Jimmy tailors each session to fit the individual needs of his students, focusing on building strong fundamentals, advanced tactics, and mental fortitude. His training style emphasizes adaptability, critical analysis, and disciplined execution, preparing fencers to excel under any circumstances.
Jimmy’s enthusiasm and dedication extend beyond the strip, fostering a positive and supportive environment that encourages both personal and athletic growth. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or prepare for high-stakes competitions, Coach Jimmy is committed to helping you achieve your fencing goals. He currently leads our competitive program and is available for private lessons.
Favorite Food: Anything shared with teammates after a good bout!
Phenix Urcioli
Weapon:
Epee
Classes:
Introduction to Fencing
About:
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Costa Nichols
Weapon:
Saber
Classes:
Beginner Saber
About:
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Alex Jones
Weapon:
Saber
Classes:
Advanced Saber
About:
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