Universal Swords and Fitness
Sword Programs
Sport Fencing
Sport Fencing
Sport Fencing
Universal Swords & Fitness is proud to offer top notch instruction in Sports Fencing. Whether its Foil, Epee or Sabre we have the facility, equipment & coaching staff to guide fencers every step of the way. Achieve your goals and have fun while doing it!
H.E.M.A.
Sport Fencing
Sport Fencing
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the study & practice of real sword fighting. Techniques are gleaned from actual manuscripts left behind by the great masters. Universal Swords is offering entry level training in both Rapier/Smallsword & Longsword. Thrust, cut, parry & work your way thru one of the most challenging systems in sword combat! (18 and over)
Our Facility
Our high calibre facility accommodates all the Sword programs we offer. Our staff is certified & trained to promote a "safety first" learning environment.
* 5 fencing strips, pro reels, scoring machines, mirrors & targets.
* Full, well stocked Armoury for weapon repair & maintenance
* Quality gear inspected & cleaned daily
Everything a beginner or competitive fencer needs to train. We also boast one of the most comfortable parent lounges in the business!
Foil Coach Dvorak Franco
Coach Dvorak Franco
Universal Swords is privileged to have Dvorak Franco as our competition coach. Coach Dvorak has been competing & teaching over 50 years! He coached at both Bowling Green (1977-79) & Penn State University (1990-92). He was also a member of the Clemson University fencing team (1981-84). Coach Dvorak competed at the national level (1985-89) winning a sectional championship in both Foil/Epee. He has the expertise & techniques to produce winners!
Foil Coach Gijs Huybrecht
Coach Gijs Huybrecht
Universal Swords is pleased to welcome Gijs Huybrecht to our competition team!!! Coach Gijs is a former international foil fencer who represented Belgium as a member of the national team across cadet, junior, and senior levels. He qualified for and competed in multiple Fédération Internationale d'Escrime (FIE) tournaments and championships, participating in both individual and team events.
In addition to his competitive career, Gijs is an internationally certified foil referee, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s rules, tactics, and officiating standards at the highest level.
He has also built extensive experience as a coach, training competitive fencers to achieve performance goals across varying levels of competition. Most recently, he served as Head Coach of the 5C Colleges Fencing in Claremont California, where he was responsible for athlete development, program leadership, and competitive preparation.
Epee Coach Paul Rosse
Universal Swords is honored to have Paul Rosse as our Sport Fencing Director/Coach. With close to 40 years of competition & coaching experience, Coach Paul has the ability to transform traditional training into competitive skillsets. Whether its Foil, Epee or Sabre.....beginner or advanced....Coach Paul can personally tailor a way to make a better fencer!
Sabre Coach Rosa De Cortis
Coach Rosa
Universal Swords is proud to have Rosa De Cortis. Coach Rosa is a two time National Nicaraguan womens Sabre champion! She medaled in bronze/silver consecutively (2008-2014) in the Centro-American games. She has traveled & won in Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador & Honduras! Coach Rosa is an awesome addition to our team who can elevate the skills of any competitive Sabre fencer!
Coach Ralph (H.E.M.A.) Rapier/Smallsword
In his pursuit of becoming a true Swordsman, Coach Ralph has trained in Foil, Epee, Sabre, Smallsword, Rapier, and Longsword. His no nonsense approach to teaching H.EM.A. begins with exercises designed to increase strength, stamina, speed & agility. Special emphasis is placed on footwork, posture, positioning & strategy. Coach Ralph provides all the tools necessary for anyone new to Historical European Martial Arts (H.E.M.A.)