Kai Zhao (Founder, Head Coach)
Kai Zhao, a former member of China's Junior and Senior National Men's Foil Teams, brought over 26 years of fencing and coaching experience to the U.S.
In 2010, he introduced a holistic coaching system encompassing blade techniques, footwork, fitness, and mental strength.
His coaching has consistently produced National Medal winners, including Daniel Zhang, who achieved GOLD in Cadet and SILVER in Junior Team at the World Championships.
Shuang Meng ( Co-Founder, General Manager, Foil Coach )
Shuang Meng, awarded the prestigious title of China National Master Sportsman at 18, competed on both the China Junior and Senior National Fencing Teams, amassing over 50 titles and numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Since moving to the U.S. in 2010, Coach Shuang Meng has created a premier training program, producing highly skilled athletes and achieving success with top regional, Nationally and Internationally fencers.
Coach Tamer Tahoun ( Head Foil Coach)
Coach Tamer Tahoun, a two-time Olympic fencer and Olympic-level Head Coach with Team USA, has guided his athletes to two World Championships Gold medals and bronze in the Youth Olympic Games. As an accomplished athlete, he held the Egypt National Champion title for nearly a decade, participated in two Olympics with top 15 finishes, and earned numerous medals in international competitions, including five African Championships individual Gold medals. He is also an FIE International Referee in Foil and Epee, with prior coaching experience with the Egypt National Foil Team and the Egyptian Youth Olympic Team in 2010.
Our Team
Coach Mohamed Hassan (Foil Coach)
Coach Mohamed began fencing at 8 with his father in Saint Louis, eventually earning a spot on the Egyptian National team at 15. He contributed to Penn State's second-place finish at the 2018 NCAA championships, competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and aims for a second Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. With USFCA certification and extensive coaching experience from his father, Mohamed brings a wealth of expertise to his coaching role.
Coach Siarhei Byk (Foil Coach)
Siarhei, a fencer since age 8, spent a decade on the Belarus National team, achieving two U-23 European Championships medals and multiple World Cup final appearances. He held the #1 European U-23 ranking for consecutive seasons and learned from the renowned foil fencer Alexandr Romankov. With master's degrees in Physical Education and Sports Management, he worked at the Belarusian Republican Olympic Training Center from 2013 to 2016 before moving to the United States in 2017. Since then, his coaching has led his students to win medals in regional and national tournaments.
Coach Jiazhen (Anthony) Zhang (Youth Program Head Coach)
Anthony, a Tianjin Sports University graduate in physical education, had a successful professional fencing career with the Tianjin Sports Team, winning awards including a 2nd place finish in Men's Foil at the 2015 National Fencing Championship of China and a 1st place finish in 2014. After retiring, he became a fencing physical trainer, earning certifications in physical fitness, including AFAA and ACSM, and AFAA youth physical fitness. As a coach at Sunac Fencing Club, he has guided athletes to significant achievements.
Bin (Foil Coach)
Coach Bin has been fencing for 12 years. He recently graduated from Boston College with a finance and marketing degree, and he was on the BC fencing team for all 4 years. Some of of my top results include Top 8 at the 2020 San Jose Junior World Cup and qualifying for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 NCAA Championships. He was also two-time all American Second team in 2020 and 2021. Bin always had a passion for teaching/coaching, and he is super excited to meet everyone and make a positive impact in the Star Fencing Community.
Castor Kao ( Assistant Coach )
Castor began training at age 9 and has excelled in fencing, earning accolades like 3rd place in cadet events at the 2022 Summer Nationals and 2021 July NAC, and an A rating at just 14. He's a foil squad leader in his high school fencing team, a USFA certified referee, and actively assists beginner fencers at summer camps. Currently, he's an assistant coach, passionately helping younger fencers improve their skills.
Sean Dong ( Assistant Coach )
Sean discovered the foil at age 11 and began fencing under Shuang and Kai’s guidance. Since then, he has competed in many tournaments, including the 2021 and 2022 Star Cups and the 2021 Pomme de Terre. By age 14, he had realized his passion for teaching fencing and he took on the role of TA for SFA’s youngest classes. Today, Sean dedicates his patience and empathy toward setting new fencers who are as young as five on strong starts to their fencing journeys.
Zhili Wu (Club Manager)
With a Master’s in project management from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s in business administration and leadership, my passion for education and expertise in project management drive my role as the Club Manager at Star Fencing Academy. Serving as the bridge between coaches and partners, I ensure efficient and smooth communication. As a liaison, I foster seamless communication and support, spearheading various channels to promote the academy and strengthen connections among coaches, participants, and families. My unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion inspire a thriving atmosphere at Star Fencing Academy.