Fencers traveling to NWFC enjoy all that surrounds our brand-new facility and some stellar fencing! We invite athletes and their families to come and enjoy the area when visiting for camps and tournaments. Keep reading to learn more about the area, our recommended partner hotels, and other tips for fencers traveling to NWFC.
Blog Archive
Read more about NWFC Coaches, News and Updates, Resources for Athletes and Parents, and more!
Stenciling from Marx Enterprises
Stenciling from Marx Enterprises is how the majority of our fencers at NWFC get their last name stenciled on their fencing gear. Owned by NWFC Member, current Board President, and long-time fencer Bob Marx himself.
The Future
The Future at Northwest Fencing Center has a bright outlook, at our new location! In the Spring of 2022, we officially moved into our new facility. After expanding our past location on SW Western rd by 7,000 square feet, the owner of the property decided to sell the land. Although unideal, our new location space is being built specifically to our needs. As fencers, we know how rare that is!
The 2000s
The 2000s was when the official inauguration of Northwest Fencing Center (“NWFC”) took place. Our training had expanded rapidly, calling for some changes and additions. Beginning in 2001, NWFC began to expand and refine what we offered our athletes. We added group classes built around age and aptitude, classes for homeschool groups, and adult instruction. NWFC continues to offer these course options today.
The Nineties
The Nineties were an exciting time for the club. With its reputation well established in the world of fencing, the SAFC worked with Une Touché de Portland (UTDP), a benefit corporation and qualified amateur sports organization. The goal of UTDP was to continue the work Yves Auriol’s Portland Project began by supporting fencing athletes and organizations, allowing them to train with SAFC’s best and make use of the facilities the SAFC could provide.
The Eighties
The Eighties at NWFC is when the club settled into its first long-term residency at what is now known as the Sunset Athletic Club. It is here that the school’s fruitful relationships with Chuck Richards, the Oregon Sports Authority, and the Oregon Sports Trust began.
The Seventies
The Seventies was when momentum started building, and more athletes knew of the training center. After commuting regularly from Seattle to Portland to teach fencing, Leon was in need of some assistance. Although Colleen was hoping to convince Leon to move to Portland permanently, he decided to stay in Seattle.
The Sixties
The Sixties at Northwest Fencing Center was when the club first started, sort of. Although it wasn’t quite a fencing club yet, it was gaining the attention of athletes in the Pacific Northwest. In the 1960s, Portland native Colleen Olney was recovering from a car accident, and looking for a sport to help her with the rehabilitation of her injured wrist. She stumbled on fencing, and after a few short sessions, she was enamored. Colleen is the matriarch of the NWFC community.
Information about Financial Aid
The Northwest Fencing Center Financial Aid program is available to current and potential members. Financial aid cannot be applied to required membership fees. You must complete the 4-week Intro Session before applying for Financial Aid.
Volunteering
Volunteering at Northwest Fencing Center takes on many forms! As a non-profit, NWFC is committed to keeping operating costs as low as possible so we can keep providing fencing to our communities.
Joe Serban
Joe Serban started fencing when he was 9 years old in Bellingham and Seattle, Washington. He started at Salle Auriol Fencing Center under Maitre Leon Auriol prior to coming to Oregon. Later in 2012, Joe joined NWFC under coach Simon Abram. Joe has fenced competitively since 2012.
Simon Abram
Meet Coach Simon Head Coach | Fencing Master Simon Abram comes from a family with four fencing masters. He has been fencing since he was seven years old and started to coach at 14. He got his first coaching degree when he was 16. In 2006, at 21, he became the youngest...
Questions?
Find more information about fencing and Northwest Fencing Center on our FAQ page. For more help, contact the Front Desk. Either call during open hours or email us directly and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.