Fencing SYFA-South Youth Fencing Alliance

09/22/2026

09/21/2026

Great day at Twin Cities Fencing Club yesterday!

We had a little bit of everything.

🥇 Therese took 1st in Women’s Foil
🥉 Sophie finished 3rd in Women’s Foil

In the Mixed Open:

🔥 Jamie finished 5th
🔥 Ezra finished 8th
🤺 Therese finished 11th
🤺 Ashwin finished 13th
🤺 Linus finished 17th
🤺 Sophie finished 19th
🤺 Kellan finished 21st
🤺 Zion finished 22nd

And maybe my favorite part of the day, Kellan and Zion competed in their very first fencing tournament!

First tournaments are a big deal. You finally get to take everything you have been learning at practice and figure out what it feels like when the referee says fence and the touches actually count. Both of them jumped in, fenced, learned a lot, and most importantly seemed to have a great time doing it.

We had teammates coaching each other, cheering for each other, hanging around to watch bouts, and then several of us went out to eat together afterward.

Medals are fun. Results matter. But days like this are really what we are trying to build at SYFA.

A bunch of fencers spending a Sunday competing together, learning together, and enjoying being teammates.

It was a good day. Now we get ready for the REM in Chicago this weekend!!

09/10/2026

Tournament weekend. ⚔️🔥

Another chance to test the work, trust the training, and compete one touch at a time.

We’re not chasing perfect. We’re building fencers who can think, adjust, fight, and stay composed when it matters.

Relaxed wins. Earned confidence. Calm urgency.

Let’s go, SYFA.
Built For More.

09/08/2026

SYFA had a strong weekend at the Fencing Center of Chicago RYC & RJCC, with our athletes competing across multiple age groups and gaining valuable experience against deep fields. Aviella Wilkins led the way with a T-3 finish in Y10 Women’s Foil, while Ardella Walsh added a 10th-place finish in Y12 Women’s Foil.

Across the team, we saw composure, resilience, and plenty of lessons we can carry back into training. We’re proud of every fencer who stepped on strip and represented SYFA.

Want to see what fencing can do for your child? Come join us at SYFA and try a class.
👉 Join SYFA⁠
https://playpass.com/south-youth-fencing-alliance

A huge thank you to the Fencing Center of Chicago for hosting a great event and creating a terrific competitive environment. Every tournament gives us another chance to grow. “Built For More.”

08/18/2026

🤺 Adult Class: Learn to Referee, ON US!

SYFA will cover the $75 registration for any adult class member who commits to working as a sanctioned referee for us. The only ask: after the clinic, you'll need to get observed by a certified referee to earn your rating. The bonus is you can knock that out at a regional tournament you're already fencing in, no extra travel required.

Referee Development Clinic with CRI Abbas Fadel
📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026, 4:00pm
📍 Ataba Fencing Club, 1010 Richards Rd, Hartland, WI, or attend live via Zoom, no travel required
💵 Free for SYFA adult class members who commit to reffing for us (normally $75)
🔗 https://www.askfred.net/tournaments/afce51e1-205c-48b1-a7c2-91b9fa4123fb

Why it's worth it:
• Learn the rules inside and out. It'll make you sharper on the strip, not just as a future ref
• Certified refs typically get registration comped, hotel covered, and a food stipend at future tournaments, so it often pays for itself many times over
• Get observed at a tournament you're already attending to fence, no separate trip needed
• The bar to start is lower than people think. A local L1 or L2 rating is enough to help us run our own sanctioned events right here in Rochester

SYFA needs sanctioned refs to host our own events. We cover the class, you commit to finishing certification.

Interested? Let me know and I'll get you registered.

Building Champions On and Off the Strip.

07/29/2026

Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the SYFA family:

“Windigo Montoya.”

He showed up quietly one afternoon, parked himself by the door, and hasn’t said a word since, but everyone who trains under him knows exactly who’s keeping this room bearable. Word is he’s kin to a certain sword master from a very famous story, the kind who trained his whole life for one big moment. Windigo’s moment comes every time he’s plugged in and someone steps in front of him dripping sweat.

Weapon: Ice blast

Signature move: The Sub-Zero Sweep

Quote: “Hello. My name is Windigo Montoya. You are sweating. Prepare to dry.”

Give the big red guy a nod next time you walk by. He’s part of the team now, building champions on and off the strip, one breeze at a time.

07/18/2026

Huge congratulations to Therese-Margaret Woerter and Jamie Zinser on being named to the 2025-26 USA Fencing All-Academic Second Team!

This national honor recognizes fencers who excel in the classroom while competing at a high level on the strip. Therese and Jamie represent exactly what SYFA is about: discipline, focus, and excellence in everything they do.

We could not be prouder of these two. The work they put in at school and in the club shows every single day.

Want to start your fencing journey? Join us at https://playpass.com/south-youth-fencing-alliance

Building Champions On and Off the Strip

South Youth Fencing Alliance (SYFA) is a foil-focused fencing club based in Rochester, Minnesota. SYFA develops young athletes through structured training, disciplined practice, and consistent competition. The club emphasizes process over outcome.

07/18/2026

Adult fencing was an absolute blast today! ⚔️

Looking for a workout that doesn’t feel like a workout? Want to sharpen your mind, improve your fitness, and have a great group of people to laugh and compete with?

Join us every Friday for Adult Fencing!

No experience? Perfect. Experienced fencer? Even better. We welcome everyone who wants to learn, improve, or simply have fun with a sword in hand.

For our club members, don’t forget about Game Night every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This is a members-only event for adults and kids alike, with games like Dungeons & Dragons, Magic, chess, and anything else members decide to bring.

Your next favorite hobby might just be waiting behind a mask.

Come see why everyone leaves with a smile.

📍 South YEL Fencing Alliance
🗓️ Adult Fencing: Fridays
⚔️ Member Game Night: Saturdays, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Message us to learn more or stop by and give fencing a try!