Begin Fencing
About us
The Manhattan Fencing Center, founded in 2007 by U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame Maestro Yury Gelman, is dedicated to fostering fencing success through our exceptional facility, world-class coaches, and dynamic programs. With locations in Midtown NYC, Englewood NJ, and Waldwick NJ, we offer top-tier fencing training to help athletes of all levels reach their potential. We believe that success in fencing is directly tied to the quality of the club and its coaching staff.
Julia Gelman, co-founder and Executive Director of the Manhattan Fencing Center, has led the organization since its establishment in 2007, working alongside U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame Maestro Yury Gelman. Beginning her fencing career at the age of 12 under Yury Gelman’s tutelage, Julia achieved top national rankings and secured a spot on a Division I varsity college team. Her competitive career highlights include being a 2-time All-American, a 2-time National Champion, and earning an MVP award, alongside many other national medals.
Under her leadership, the Manhattan Fencing Center has expanded from one to three locations, growing into one of the largest and most prestigious fencing programs in the country. The center has received multiple club awards, including accolades for the best veteran programming and has been recognized by the US Olympic Committee as a training hub for the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program, contributing significantly to the development of coaching skills nationwide.
Our mission at the Manhattan Fencing Center is to ignite a lifelong passion for fencing in everyone who walks through our doors. We are dedicated to teaching fencing the right way by building the fundamental skills our students need to enjoy this sport for life.
Julia’s children continue the family legacy, training at the center from the age of 7 and maintaining the tradition of excellence.
OUR Achievements
Top-Rated Club
Rated the top fencing club in the United States and # 1 Saber Club by fencer strength and National results
College Placement Success
We are proud to be the #1 Saber Feeder Club to highly selective universities
Prepared 7 Olympic Medalists
Including Men’s Saber Individual Silver Medalist Fares Ferjani in Paris 2024
experience the difference
Personalized Attention: Classes structured by age and USFA rating to ensure personalized attention, setting us apart from the conventional club format.
World-Class Coaching: Widely recognized and highly respected world-class coaches; most are former National Team Coaches, Olympians and have a Master’s degree in Physical Education.
Non-Competitive Enjoyment: Experience the joys of non-competitive fencing at our family-owned, family-oriented club. Whether your goal is to improve fitness, develop character traits like patience, dedication, confidence, strength, and optimism, or simply fall in love with fencing, our friendly and welcoming atmosphere ensures that everyone feels at home.
Proven Success: Produced 7 Olympic Medalists, facilitated 25 Olympic Qualifications, supported 28 World Champion Medalists, enabled 88 National Team Qualifications, fostered 29 Junior Olympic Champions, and contributed to the success of countless World, National, and NCAA Medalists.
College Placement Success: We are proud to be the #1 saber feeder club to highly selective universities.
Top-Rated Club: Rated the top fencing club in the United States and # 1 Saber Club by fencer strength and National results.
Elite Training Opportunities: Fence with National Team members at club practices and training camps.
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Our Facility
NY Location: 15 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10018
- Train at our convenient facility on 37th Street between 5th and 6th avenues.
- Close to Times Square, Grand Central Station, Penn Station, Path Trains, and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Situated on the 2nd floor of a newly renovated, doorman building with a secure lobby area and three elevators.
- Specially designed fencing floors to safeguard knees and ankles.
- Air conditioning provided for comfort during training sessions.
- 18 full-length electric strips available for practice.
- Wireless fencing capability for enhanced training options.
- WiFi & homework room
- Comfortable viewing area for spectators.
- Targets available for precision training.
- Locker rooms and showers for your convenience.
NJ Location: 84 Honeck Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
- Convenient Englewood, NJ location in the heart of Bergen County, just over the George Washington Bridge.
- Sport court floor to protect knees and ankles during training.
- 16-full length electric strips.
- WiFi & homework/conference room
- Air conditioning
- Comfortable viewing area for spectators.
- Targets for precision training.
- Lockers, shower and changing room.
- Ample parking available on both sides of the building.
NJ Location: 8 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463
- Sport court floor to protect knees and ankles during training.
- 9-full length electric strips.
- Comfortable viewing area for spectators.
- On site parking available.
AVAILABLE FENCING OPTIONS
Check out our beginner packages for both kids and adults! Non-members are welcome to take part in our classes, lessons and open fencing. We offer all levels of fencing to fit everyone’s needs:
- Introductory fencing for children ages 4-6
- Beginner classes for ages 7+
- Beginner parents’ classes (no membership required)
- Beginner adults’ classes (no membership required)
- Intermediate, advanced, and elite classes
- Conditioning and competition classes
- Saber and foil coaches
- USFA tournaments held at our facility that give fencers the opportunity to increase their ranking and fence with the top athletes in the country
- Beginner, intermediate, and elite camps held at our facility and off site to get you in shape for upcoming tournaments
Meet Our Coaches
Nellya Sevostyanova
Foil Coach
Andrew Lamianski
Saber Coach
Yury Gelman
Saber Coach
Vladymyr Lukashenko
Saber Coach
Alexander Sourimto
Saber Soach
Testimonials
My kids’ experience at MFC has been incomparable. It is evident that the coaches truly care about the students and want to help them succeed. My daughters work with Coach Sergey Isayenko, who has all the qualities of a great coach. He is encouraging, patient, and has a constructive approach that is rare to find. My sons work with Coach Alex Sourimto and there are only positives to say about him. He is supportive, goal-oriented, and more importantly, has a lot of respect for his students. Both coaches have built great relationships and communicate well with my kids. Overall, MFC has been a great experience and we can’t be more appreciative to this club and it’s amazing coaches
Manhattan Fencing Center has been like a second home to my daughters. Everyone from the office staff to the coaches is welcoming, responsive, and helpful. Under the leadership of Maestro Yury Gelman, this club is one of the preeminent fencing centers in the country. The most impressive feature of MFC is the care and consideration your child receives. Whether s/he is a novice fencer or potential Olympic contender, all the coaches devote their time and attention to every aspect of the fencer’s training.
My son loves MFC. The club is amazing, with great coaches and staff, plus a modern and clean environment. Coach Andrew is very calm, encouraging and supportive. His words means a lot to my son. With the learning and training over the past couple of years, my son has developed great love into fencing! This has helped him to well balance with his schoolwork. Thank you, coach Andrew and everyone in MFC!
Come on In!
15 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
Weekdays
3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Weekends
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*During the months of July and August, please call the office to inquire about open bouting hours. Club is open at other times by appointment only.
84 honeck street, englewood, nj 07631
Weekdays
3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Weekends
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Please call/text prior to stopping by.
Contact
Julia Gelman, Executive Director
Phone
nY Office: 212-382-2255
NJ OFFICE: 201-503-4541
The fastest way to reach us when we are not in the office is via email.
