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.

Kent Iyoki

Kent Iyoki joined NWFC at the age of 7 and enjoyed learning foil for the first two years. After moving to Texas with his family, he also started learning epee. He had actively participated in competitions for both epee and foil, but he got to focus more on epee.

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Sophia Burden

Sophia Burden started fencing about a year and a half ago. She always wanted to fence and is so excited that she got the chance to. Fencing has brought her enormous amounts of joy and Sophia is grateful for the experience.

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Isaac Choi

Isaac Choi began fencing at NWFC in 2017 after watching the 2016 Rio Olympics on TV. After completing the youth programs, he started competing as an epeeist and also competed in foil for one year. Over 7 years, Isaac has earned national points from the youth to the junior categories.

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Melody Subotnick

Melody Subotnick began fencing 2 years ago and quickly found the sport she had been looking for! She connected with the sport, the coaches, and fellow athletes. She looks forward to advancing her skills further and participating in some competitions.

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Cecilie Bergren-Dizon

Cecilie Bergren-Dizon has been fencing for two years. She had been interested in starting long before, and she was right! She loves it.

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Marcus Strugar

Marcus Strugar has a deep-seated passion for wellness, bodybuilding, and fencing, and enjoys wrestling. He began his fencing journey at the age of 8, inspiring his sister Steliana to take up the sport as well. Together, they share a love for sports and enjoy traveling, exploring new places and competitions.

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Grand Opening Celebration

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Grand Opening Celebration at Northwest Fencing Center! We are celebrating 50 years of fencing in Portland! Join us for a celebration! The dedication and hard work of so many fencers, parents, and coaches has produced a stunning new facility.

College Fencers

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College Fencers from the Northwest Fencing Family go off to accomplish amazing things. See more here about where some of our athletes have gone to a university or college to fence.

Wall of Champions

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The Wall of Champions at Northwest Fencing Center is how we recognize and pay tribute to all our athletes’ accomplishments, past and present. Below you will find a running list of our fencers that have won National, Olympic, and other champion titles.

NWFC represents on the world stage

All of the hard work, conditioning, training and lessons with coaches, bouting with teammates and competing at home and across the United States has culminated in dreams coming true for six fencers from Northwest Fencing Center. Cadet (Will, Aryana and Megan), Junior (Gregory Mitberg), Veteran (Cristina Ford) and Wheelchair (Vikki Espinosa) fencers are either on their way or putting the finishing touches on their preparations for international tournaments in Europe.

Losing a great friend and a legend

Losing a great friend and a legend

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Losing a great friend and a legend is never easy. The Northwest Fencing Center lost its founding father this week. I am sad to report that Leon Auriol passed away, but he left behind an incredible legacy for Pacific Northwest fencing.

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