The team

Our Coaches

Nationally and internationally recognized coaches who teach the art of fencing — and build self-esteem, confidence, and enthusiasm in every fencer.

Head Coach & Managing Director

Frank Mustilli

Active in New Jersey fencing since 1991, Frank founded NJFA — a 501(c)(3) — to teach fencing to people of all ages and abilities, and has led the club for over two decades. Skilled in all weapons, his teaching builds self-esteem, self-confidence, and enthusiasm, and he has developed champions across district, state, national, and world levels.

36 Championships 63 District Championships 16 Iron Hills Conference Titles 9 State Championships 5 National Champions 2 World Champions

Épée Coach

Alejandra Terán

A Mexican fencer who competed in women's épée at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science.

2016 Rio Olympian Bronze — 2018 Centro American Games Gold — 2016 Pan Am Qualifications Bronze — 2011 Pan Am Championships & Games Junior Pan Am Gold 2011 Silver — 2010 Centro American Games

Sabre Coach

Andrew Doddo

A Columbia University graduate and two-time All-America honoree, and a Columbia High School alum.

Gold — 2023 Pan American Games, Santiago Team Bronze — 2023 Senior Worlds, Milan Double Gold — 2023 Zonal Championships, Lima NCAA Northeast Regional Silver (Sabre), 2019 All-Ivy League 2019

Sabre Coach

Monica Aksamit

An Olympic medalist and Penn State NCAA champion, Monica brings world-class sabre experience to NJFA's advanced and elite fencers. Born in New York and raised in Matawan, NJ, she began fencing at age nine.

Bronze — 2016 Rio Olympics (Team Sabre) 2× NCAA Team Champion (Penn State) 3× NCAA All-American Senior World Cup medalist Pan-American Team Champion

Sabre Coach

George Bivins

A Montclair, NJ native who fenced NCAA Division I sabre at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a multi-time ACC Championship medalist. An A-rated sabreur and national medalist.

Notre Dame NCAA Division I sabre Gold — Junior Men's Sabre, June NAC 2021 Bronze — 2020 Junior Olympic Championships A-rated sabre

Foil Coach

Julian Detering

An NCAA Division I foil fencer at NJIT and a USFCA All-Region honoree, Julian competed internationally on the German national circuit before bringing his foil expertise to NJFA.

NJIT NCAA Division I foil USFCA All-Region Honorable Mention German Senior Championships bronze

Foil Coach

Sabit Kılınç

An NCAA Division I foil fencer at NJIT from Istanbul, Turkey, Sabit competed internationally as a junior and brings a technical, international perspective to NJFA's foil program.

NJIT NCAA Division I foil International junior competitor (Turkey)

Épée Coach

Alex Hernandez Paul

Alex coaches épée in NJFA's weekly classes, working with fencers across levels. Full bio coming soon.

Our coaching roster grows with our class schedule — see the full Schedule for who's on the strip each day.

With gratitude

Coaches who shaped NJFA

We're grateful to the coaches who have given their time and talent to our fencers over the years. Their impact lives on in every athlete they trained.

Former Sabre Coach

Janine Bacchus-Joseph

Columbia High School team captain and NCAA Division I sabre fencer at NJIT, who brought energy and dedication to NJFA's sabre program.

Former Sabre Coach

Eleonore Perrier

A French sabre fencer and Ohio State NCAA All-Region honoree who guided NJFA's intermediate sabreurs with skill and warmth.

Ready when you are

Your first touch is on us.

Book a free 20-minute introductory lesson and feel what fencing is all about — no experience, no equipment, no pressure.

Get started → Call (973) 762-6363