Coaches

Steve Kaplan – Coach

• Steve is a U.S. Fencing Coaches Association Fencing Master.
• 1976 U.S. Olympic Team Member – Sabre.
• 1975 Pan American Games Silver Medalist.
• 4 time U.S. National Team Champion.
• 1971 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All American – NYU.
• Varsity Head Fencing Coach NYU 1980-1986.
• Elected to NYU Athletic Hall of Fame 1996.
• Founded Cobra Fencing Club in 2002.

Demetrios “Mitro” Valsamis – Coach

• Mitro is under-19 U.S. Foil Champion 1979, 1980.
• Cadet Sabre Champion 1976, 1977.
• 1983 NCAA Foil Champion – NYU.
• Foil Coach at Cobra since 2003.

Ruth Priscilla Kirstein, “Petrouchka” – Coach

• Conceives and directs training programs in fencing and stick fighting disciplines.
• Crosses fencing with dance, film, opera, acrobatics and visual arts.
• Her “Miniature espagnole” premiered at Salle Gaveau in Paris, France.
• Lecture demonstration “The Relationship Between Fencing And Dance” commissioned by NYU.
• Trained a.o. with Claude Carliez, senior fencing master and stunt coordinator in French cinema.
• Joined Cobra in 2011.
• More about Ruth at www.ruthkirstein.com