OUR FUTURE
Desert Fencing Academy was founded by the late Leslie Taft, whose vision was to bring the art and discipline of fencing to the desert and make it accessible to all. Guided by her philosophy of inclusion, excellence, and lifelong learning, we remain committed to carrying her legacy forward through group lessons, private instruction, sparring, and community-centered programming for youth, young adults, and senior citizens alike. Through every class and every bout, we honor her belief that fencing should inspire confidence, connection, and growth across generations
THE HISTORY OF FENCING
Fencing is a centuries-old sport that grew out of swordsmanship and military training, eventually evolving into a refined competitive discipline and an Olympic sport in 1896. Today, it is celebrated not only for its speed, strategy, and precision, but also for its enduring core values of honor, respect, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Heik Hambarzumian
Current U.S. Ranking: No. 2
(Veteran +70 Foil)
Veteran World Teams: 2020,
2019 (Silver - Team Foil), 2013,
2009
Head Coach
A true renaissance man, Coach Hambarzumian is a fencer, an accordionist, and a ballroom dance instructor. Coach Hambarzumian has been around the world, competing in all realms of fencing. Trust in Heik to get you to the finals wherever you go.
Dave Greene
Coach
Coach Dave has a wealth of fencing knowledge and experience having begun fencing in 1992 as a reward for quitting smoking. Coach Dave studied fencing under Coach John Dillard in Overland Park and Lawrence, Kansas, until 2019 when he moved to the Coachella Valley. While in Kansas, Coach Dave also fenced at Five Rings Fencing under Coach Mark Wickersham. After moving to the Valley, Coach Dave joined the Desert Fencing Academy and fenced under Coach Taft until her passing in late 2024. Since that time, Coach Dave studies fencing and fencing instruction under Coach Heik.
UNITED STATES FENCING ASSOCIATION
The Desert Fencing Academy is a member club of the United States Fencing Association (USFA). A benefit DFA receives from club membership is liability insurance coverage through USFA. USFA requires that all club members be USFA members.
Access Membership - $34 Annually
Free 90-day trial available
