History

Browse the archives of NWFC milestones, moves, and much more

History at NWFC has always been an important part of the club’s atmosphere since the club first opened its doors in 1971. Through a few changes and many accomplishments by its athletes, NWFC has managed to become quite acknowledged.

Northwest Fencing Center’s history spans nearly five decades, becoming the premier training and competition facility it is today because of the dedication and faith of many. With such deep roots, we are proud to be part of the legacy of fencing in Oregon.

Read on to learn how our story began, how we’ve grown throughout the years, and what the future could hold.

Anthony Querbach

Anthony Querbach 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Anthony has been fencing for a...

Leah Strong

Leah Strong 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Leah Strong was practically born with a...

Caleb Mathes

Caleb Mathes 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Caleb began his fencing journey only two...

Nicholas Kakehi

Nicholas Kakehi 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Nicholas Kakehi is a senior at Sunset...

Sophia Hewitt

Sophia Hewitt 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Sophia Hewitt has fenced for two years...

Emerson Boase

Emerson Boase 2025 LEAVING THE NEST SENIORS Emerson Lee Boase started fencing at...

Yves Auriol

The following tribute is dedicated to Yves Auriol written by Robert & Suzanne Marx: Early in Yves Auriol’s athletic career he had a choice between rugby or fencing.  He went the professional rugby route. Thus, explaining the bowed legs and the crooked nose. Rugby...

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.

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