Meet Our Coach
At Sequoia Fencing Academy, we pride ourselves on providing world-class instruction from experienced, dedicated coaches who are passionate about developing champions both on and off the strip.
Specialties
Yuriy Mazur
Coach Yuriy is a distinguished Epee coach with over three decades of international coaching experience. Registered with the United States Fencing Association (USFA), Coach Yuriy brings world-class expertise and a proven track record of developing champions at the highest levels of competition.
As the former Head Coach of the Ukrainian National Team (Cadet Women's Epee) from 2017-2020, Coach Yuriy led his team to remarkable success on the international stage. Under his guidance, the team secured four Gold, six Silver, and three Bronze medals at Cadet Women's Epee World Cups. His leadership propelled the Ukrainian National Team to the #1 position in world rankings among Cadet Women's Epee during the 2018-2019 season.
Throughout his illustrious career, Coach Yuriy has:
- Trained numerous champions and medalists at Ukrainian National Championships and World Cups
- Prepared athletes for international competitions across Hungary, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, and the USA
- Developed 10 fencers who qualified for the Ukrainian National Team and competed at World and European Championships
- Founded and served as Head Coach of Khmelnytskyi Fencing Club in Ukraine (2012-2019)
- Coached the Turkish National Team (2015)
- Mentored successful coaches, including Misha Mokretsov, founder of the New York Fencing Academy
Coach Yuriy's experience spans all age groups, from 5-year-old beginners to elite adult competitors. His comprehensive approach to coaching focuses on developing both technical excellence and strategic thinking.
Coach Yuriy holds a degree from the Lviv State Academy of Physical Culture, with qualifications in coaching, physical education, and Olympic and professional sports. His credentials are further enhanced by participation in FIE coaching courses in Zagreb (2010) and Budapest (2016). Since 2011, he has been an FIE internationally certified fencing referee in epee.
30+ years coaching experience
Former Ukrainian National Team Head Coach
FIE Certified International Referee
USFA Certified Coach
Coaching Philosophy
Technical Excellence
Coach Yuriy emphasizes proper technique as the foundation for all fencing success. His methodical approach ensures students develop correct habits from the beginning.
Competitive Mindset
Drawing from his experience coaching world-class athletes, Coach Yuriy instills the mental toughness and strategic thinking needed to excel in competitive environments.
Individual Development
Recognizing that each fencer is unique, Coach Yuriy tailors his instruction to the individual needs, learning style, and goals of each student, from beginners to elite competitors.
What Our Students Say
"None of my achievements would have been possible without Coach Mazur's guidance. His coaching philosophy centers on personal responsibility and unwavering belief in his students."
Mykhaylo Mokretsov
Owner & Head Coach, New York Fencing Academy
"Thanks to Yuriy, I achieved my goals as a professional athlete. With his help, I became a member of the Ukrainian national team, won the Ukrainian Championships seven times, and became vice champion of Europe."
Yeva Mazur
Seven-time Ukrainian National Champion
"Coach Mazur has a unique approach to coaching that differentiated him a lot from coaches back home. He analyzes bouts, implements new exercises and is open-minded towards his student's ideas - those are the qualities that many world class coaches possess."
Kateryna Chorniy
Youth Olympic Games Gold Medalist, Penn State Student-Athlete
Coach Yuriy's Journey
