SAS is pleased to announce our new Assistant Saber Coach, Eric Piispanen!
Coach Eric grew up in Portland, OR. He is a graduate of Oregon Fencing Alliance where he started fencing saber at the age of 13 and achieved the highest ("A") national saber rating under the tutelage of Jacek Huchwajda and Ed Korfanty. He holds 7 national medals including Gold in Senior Saber Team National Championships (2014, Team OFA) and individual Bronze in the Division 1A National Championships (2012). While at OFA, he was introduced to coaching saber fencing, and since then has held multiple coaching positions in the Portland area and, most recently, as a full time instructor in Virginia.
Eric will be responsible for assisting Coach Nikita in supporting the youth, junior and adult saber program and developing beginner and intermediate fencers in all 3 weapons. In addition to teaching group classes and training sessions, Eric is available for individual lessons.
Eric will begin his new role at Salle Auriol Seattle on September 1st. Please take some time to welcome Eric to Salle Auriol Seattle when you see him at the club!
