About Sequoia Fencing Academy
Where passion meets perseverance, and dreams take flight through the art of fencing.
A Dream Takes Root
Sequoia Fencing Academy was born from a dream—a dream that Coach Yuriy Mazur carried in his heart for over 30 years. With a lifetime of international fencing experience and countless championships under his belt, Coach Yuriy's vision was clear: to create a sanctuary where young fencers could discover their potential and grow into champions, both in sport and in life.
But dreams, no matter how beautiful, are never easy to build.
The journey began with nothing but determination and a deep love for fencing. Every step forward was a challenge—finding a space to call home, registering the club, gathering gear, building a website, and creating a class system entirely from scratch. Yet through it all, one thing never wavered: Coach Yuriy’s belief that every child deserves the chance to experience the magic, discipline, and joy that fencing can bring.Read how our students have grown →
The Journey Begins
In those early days, before we had a place to call our own, we trained wherever we could. Living rooms became fencing strips, garages turned into makeshift halls, backyards transformed into arenas of determination, and local stadiums welcomed our passion with open arms. Like a small seed growing into a mighty sequoia, our academy took root in Redwood City—nurtured by the unwavering dedication of our students and the heartfelt support of their families.
Today, as Coach Yuriy approaches his 60th year, his passion shines brighter than ever. Each class is a testament to his commitment—not just to teaching fencing, but to shaping young lives. His eyes light up with pride as he watches his students grow—not just in skill, but in confidence, resilience, and character. For him, the greatest victories aren’t always on the podium—they’re in the strength and spirit his students carry beyond the strip.
Training Anywhere, Everywhere - The Early Days
In the beginning, we trained wherever we could—backyards, garages, family rooms, stadiums, and borrowed space in other clubs. There was no perfect setup, only a shared passion that refused to be stopped. Each makeshift training ground tells a story—of resilience, of creativity, and of making the impossible possible. We didn’t have everything, but we had each other—and that was more than enough to keep the dream alive.
Found Our Home, and a New Chapter Begins
After months of training wherever we could—living rooms, garages, backyards, and playgrounds—we finally found a place to call our own. Tucked away in Redwood City, our cozy little facility may not be the grandest, but to us, it means the world. It’s more than just a space—it’s where dedication meets dreams, and where heart and hard work come together. Here, our students no longer have to wait in the cold or rush between places. They have a home—a place to grow, to belong, and to thrive.
Welcome to Our Family, Write the Legacy Together
Today, Sequoia Fencing Academy carries forward a growing legacy—one built on passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Our doors are open to all who share a love for fencing, whether you're just beginning your journey or chasing new heights in competition.
But this is more than just a place to train. It’s a place to belong. A place where every student is valued, encouraged, and inspired—on the strip and beyond.
Our story is still being written, and we would be honored to have you as part of it.
More Than Just Fencing
"At Sequoia, we don't just teach fencing—we nurture dreams, build character, and create champions for life."