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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

Stephen Kaplan, sabre head coach, cobra fencing club

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. 

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

Wilfred Loyoa, epee coach
Stephen Kaplan
Willy Loyola
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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.

  • Bronze Medalist Cadet World Championships

Ras Davidson

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.

Sabre coach, Dalton Walker
Dalton Walker
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Sabre fencing coach, Francesca Russo

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.

Francesca Russo

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.

  • 1980 NCCA Foil Champion

Mitro Valsamis, Foil coach
Mitro
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Training coach, Andrew Prescott

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."

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Join Cobra Club today – begin your fencing journey with us.

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