About Us
The Cobra fencing club is located on the 4th floor of the historic Lackawanna Warehouse building, located on an off block in downtown Jersey City. Established in 2002, we have been providing high-quality fencing instruction for almost two decades. Our founder, Stephen Kaplan, is an Olympian and a renowned fencing coach with years of experience, and commitment to the Cobra Fencing Club . We offer a range of classes for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced fencers.
Our friendly community will make you feel welcome, whether you're here to compete,
improve your skills or just have some fun - book your trial lesson today to start!
Meet the Coaches
Steve Kaplan
Founder & Head Coach
Steve Kaplan, has been involved in fencing for over four decades. He coached the fencing team at NYU (from 1980-86) and was elected to the NYU Athletic Hall of Fame.
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NCAA All American 1971
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Silver Medalist Pan Am Games 1975
Wilfred Loyola
Epee Coach
Wilfredo Loyola, was a mainstay on the vaunted Cuban National Epee team during the 1980's. He has won several Cuban National championships as well as competed in World Cups & championships. He has earned the Fencing master Diploma from the Italian fencing Federation and founded the Scherma Loyola in Ceserta, in Italy in 2002
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1987 Bronze Medal Individual World Championships
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1987 Silver Medal Pan Am Games + Gold Medal Team
Ras Davidson
Sabre Coach
Ras Davidson, was coached by Mika'il Sankifa and Yury Gelman. His skill level is impressive and overall knowledge of sabre fencing makes him a great coach.
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Bronze Medalist Cadet World Championships
Dalton Walker
Sabre Coach
Dalton Walker, started fencing at the Cobra Club in 2010. He attended St. Peter's Prep, and was the NJSIAA State High School Sabre individual champion.
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2018 Silver Medal at USA Fencing National Championships
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NCAA All American 2019
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Head Sabre Coach Stevens Tech
Francesca Russo
Sabre Coach
Francesca Russo, has scored some memorable victories – among them, winning the sabre competition for the University of Notre Dame as a freshman, a second National Collegiate Fencing Individual championship in the women’s sabre, and represented Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, competing as part of the women's sabre team.
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NCAA Champion 2020
Mitro Valsamis
Foil Coach
Additionally to his fencing skill as a fencer and a coach, Mitros Valsamis, plays the guitar and performed with a number of punk bands during the 1990's in New York City.
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1980 NCCA Foil Champion
Andrew Prescott
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Our club is committed to creating an inclusive community where fencers of all levels are encouraged and challenged to reach their full potential. We offer a range of programs to meet the needs of every fencer, from beginner to advanced. Our experienced coaches will work with you to improve your technique, increase your agility and flexibility, and hone your mental focus. Join us today to experience the thrill of fencing!
"Cobra Fencers are well trained in fencing, but more critical Cobra Fencers are exhibit great sportsmanship. This is the sign of a great coaching staff and club."
This is a prefect blend of friendly and competitive environment and we are so grateful to be a part of this. A bright, clean and a well maintained facility."
"Cobra coaching staff is made up of Olympians, national team members, and dedicated fencing masters. This is a great place to bring your children if you'd like to get them involved in fencing."
"My daughter loves how hard she has to work and she has so much fun with her friends and to learn to fence."
