Wednesday is my favorite day of the week, when I take my granddaughter to her fencing class at New Amsterdam Fencing Academy. The warm-up exercises/drills are inventive, challenging and fun. John is attentive to the needs of each member of the class and gives individual instruction as needed. As a former teacher, I am most impressed with John's emphasis on good sportsmanship.

...The best part is that they have no idea they are learning. It’s so much more than swords play! I don’t see our relationship with NAFA ending anytime soon. My son can’t wait until the next class, and I look forward to a more self-disciplined, self-confident, respectful, adept thinker. We love NAFA and highly recommend it!!!

I want to thank you both.  He is so passionate about fencing, he lives and breathes it and he looks up to both of you so much.  You feel like family ...  Just know that it's a beautiful thing to be able to take my son to your studio and watch him walk through your door and drive off knowing that he is safe, he is learning, he is being inspired and challenged and he's happy.  That's huge.

...Even in larger classes, he’s attentive to each student. He’s also creative in the warm-ups and exercises he assigns. The children learn, get great exercise and have lots of fun. He should write a book for anyone who coaches children or adults. He’s been so inspirational that I’m ready to return to fencing after several years.  

John is a most unusual coach who demonstrates enormous patience, grace and wisdom in teaching fencing to children. As a former New York City high school fencing champion and college fencer, I have enjoyed observing him teach fencing as well as sportsmanship. His problem-solving lessons go well beyond the fencing strip and will serve them for a lifetime...  

Not only are the classes FUN, but you can see the gears turning as the children learn to observe, listen and be patient through all the games and activities that get them ready to wield a sword. Coach John creates a safe and playful environment that helps the kids become physically fit and mini-mental warriors, ready for any life or fencing challenge that may come their way...