Cleveland Fencing Academy’s roots began in 1988, when I, Eric Guth, was a freshman in college living on the 8th floor of Carmen Hall at Columbia University. The world was a much bigger place back then: I had never really been to New York before getting into college, so I was as wide-eyed as you get. 

It was the weekend before the first day of classes and I was minding my own business. Being a native Clevelander, and with our beloved Cuyahoga River having spontaneously caught fire in the not so distant past, I had already absorbed many jokes from fellow students, and especially New Yorkers, about our mayor’s hair catching fire from the event: “Was it true? Did he have any hair left? Is Cleveland a real or make-believe place?” Etc, etc. So my guard was up!

When suddenly – Richie (his parents couldn’t have picked a better name for him), a native New Yorker and fellow freshmen from the prestigious 12th floor, confidently bounded into my suite to announce that he was going to be a Russian Lit major AND that he was going to join the fencing team because Columbia was world-renowned in both.

I decided right then and there that I was going to do the same!  So, if Richie was The Lorax in his tower, that would make me the little boy looking up from below, and his proud and bold announcement was the carefully thrown Truffula seed that ultimately bore the fruit called Cleveland Fencing Academy. Thanks Richie.

32 years later almost to the day, CFA registered as a member club with the United States Fencing Association. I found a perfect partner to open the club – a well recognized saber fencing instructor originally from St Petersburg, Russia who brought a wealth of training experience and great traditions of Russian school of fencing to our Academy. I stand determined to make Cleveland Fencing Academy something for Cleveland to be proud of, and the rest of the world something to fear.

CFA has also partnered with a Russian Women’s Junior Olympic Team coach to come up with a world-class curriculum for our Academy. In addition, we have visiting coaches including Olympic medalists to work with our students during the course of the season. 

In just our first year of instruction in 2020 CFA produced its first nationally ranked fencer. We provide instruction in foil, saber, and epee weapons. We boast Ohio’s premier fencing space with seventeen Olympic size strips. And to quote the famous Jerry Seinfeld, ” Yada, yada, yada…” To be continued!

All of our coaching staff is Safe Sport approved to work with adults and children of all ages.

Come see our 7,800 sq ft space, meet our instructors, and you will be inspired.