Become Champions.
From Beginners to World-Class Fencers.
At Elite International Fencers Club, our mission is to develop athletes from their very first steps in fencing into confident, disciplined, and accomplished competitors. Whether you are stepping onto the fencing strip for the first time or already competing at the highest levels, EIFC is a place to challenge yourself, sharpen your skills, and discover how far you can go. Train alongside driven athletes and experienced international coaches in an environment built for those who want to improve and compete.
We build strong technical foundations at the beginner level and provide a clear pathway toward advanced competitive fencing. Through world-class coaching, individualized development, disciplined training, and a culture of excellence, we challenge every athlete to reach their full potential.
Our goal is not simply to teach fencing, it is to forge champions prepared to succeed at regional and national events, compete at the collegiate level, and pursue competitions on the international stage.
From first touch to the world stage — we build champions.
Our Coaches
Coach James Roberts
Coach James Roberts brings more than 25 years of fencing experience as both an athlete and coach. A three-time state champion at North Haven High School, James continued his competitive career at Sacred Heart University, where he fenced at the Division I level and served as captain of the men’s team for three years. During his tenure, the Pioneers captured back-to-back NFC Championships in 2010 and 2011.
As founder of Fairfield Fencing Academy, James established a strong record of developing competitive foil fencers. His athletes have earned regional and national medals, Top 8 finishes across youth, cadet and junior competitions, and success at the Division I level. His students have gone on to fence for leading collegiate programs including Yale, Columbia, Penn State, Haverford, Vassar, Sacred Heart, Stevens Tech and Boston College.
As Co-owner and Director of Operations at Elite International Fencers Club, James combines his competitive experience, coaching expertise and passion for athlete development to help build a world-class training environment. His vision is to provide a clear pathway for every fencer, from a young athlete taking their first lesson to competitors pursuing national, collegiate and international success, supported by exceptional coaching and a culture focused on long-term development.
Coach Sandro Berto
Maestro Sandro Berto brings more than 30 years of international fencing with coaching experience and exceptional depth of expertise in both Foil and Épée to Elite International Fencers Club. A graduate of the Academy of Fencing in Naples and a Master of Olympic Fencing in all three weapons, Sandro spent 16 years as Head Fencing Coach at Circolo della Spada Vicenza in Italy, where he directed training, taught individual lessons, and coached athletes at national and international competitions.
Throughout his career, Sandro has developed fencers from their first introduction to the sport through elite-level competition. His athletes have earned numerous regional and national titles, with students progressing to the Italian National Team and international competition. Italian National Team fencer Davide Filippi credits Sandro as an "important influence and constant point of reference" throughout his competitive development.
Sandro is equally experienced in Épée, having coached dedicated Épée programs and individual athletes while developing competitors technically, tactically and psychologically.
Known for his individualized coaching style, Sandro combines technical precision, tactical development, competitive preparation and mental strength to bring out the best in each athlete. At EIFC, he leads our Foil and Épée programs, developing the next generation of competitive fencers.
Coach Mikyung Lim
Coach Mikyung Lim brings more than 30 years of elite fencing experience as an international competitor and coach. A longtime member of the Korean National Team, Mikyung competed at the highest levels of international women’s foil and represented Korea at the World Championships throughout her competitive career.
She was a four-time Asian Games medalist, winning individual silver and team gold at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, and repeating that achievement with individual silver and team gold at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. Her international career placed her among Korea’s leading foil fencers of her generation.
Following her competitive career, Mikyung transitioned into coaching, working with the Korean Women’s National Fencing Team before bringing her experience to the United States. She later spent three years coaching in Los Angeles, where her students achieved success at national and international competitions.
Today, Coach Mikyung brings that combination of world-class competitive experience and technical expertise to Elite International Fencers Club. Her coaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, precision, discipline, tactical awareness and competitive confidence, helping young fencers develop the skills and mindset necessary to progress from developing athletes to high-level competitors.
Coach Brandon Kim
Coach Brandon Kim brings the perspective of a recent NCAA Division I athlete and accomplished competitive foil fencer to Elite International Fencers Club. A former member of the UC San Diego Men’s Fencing Team, Brandon helped the Tritons capture the first MPSF Team Championship in program history. He earned First Team All-MPSF honors after finishing second in Men’s Foil at the 2025 MPSF Championship and was named Second Team All-Region after placing fourth at the NCAA West Regional Championship.
Brandon also competed internationally for Team USA, representing the United States at the Junior U20 World Cup in Bangkok, where he placed 27th in a field of 119 international competitors. Nationally, he recorded impressive finishes including 8th in Junior Men’s Foil at the 2022 Summer Nationals, followed by 9th in Junior and 10th in Division I at the 2023 Summer Nationals.
At EIFC, Brandon works closely with developing and competitive foil fencers through private lessons, bouting and group instruction. His recent experience in high-level collegiate, national and international competition gives young athletes a relatable perspective on modern competitive fencing, with an emphasis on strong fundamentals, tactical awareness, disciplined training and confident execution on the strip.
Our Coaches
Coach Mikyung Lim
Coach Mikyung is a former Korean National Team fencer, Asian Games medalist, and national team coach with over 30 years of elite fencing experience.
Maestro Andrea Cipressa
Coach Andrea is a 1984 Olympic gold medalist and former head coach of Italy’s Olympic foil team, leading them to three Olympic medals from 2013 to 2021.
Coach Vladimir Ernesto
Prieto Cordova
Coach Vladimir is a former Venezuelan National Team coach and FIE-certified referee with 17+ years of international coaching experience, including World Cups and Olympic qualifiers.
Coach James Roberts
Owner & Director of Operations
Coach Roberts started his first Academy in Fairfield, CT. Throughout his 15 years of running Fairfield Fencing Academy he has produced numerous state and regional championships, dozens of top 8 national medalists, senior world team members, and NCAA athletes who have attended universities such as Cornel, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Penn State University, University of North Carolina, Boston College, and many more top tier fencing programs.
More Than a Sport:
Where Character is Built
Fencing builds more than physical skill — it sharpens focus, strengthens character, and teaches resilience. Whether you’re on the strip or in everyday life, the lessons you learn here stay with you.
Our Competitive Edge
Train with an Olympic medalist and experience the precision and power of Italian fencing technique. Our world-class coaching blends elite skill with personalized instruction — giving every fencer the tools to grow, compete, and thrive.
Camps and Clinics
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