Physical and Character Development through Fencing
GFA is the award-winning premier fencing club in Arizona. Our studio is conveniently located in the Tucson Mall.
It is not about the medals - it is about what we learn chasing them.
8 National Medals in the 2024/25 season
10 Qualifiers for the 2024/25 US National Championships
Winner of the 2025 USA Fencing Leszek Stawicki Parafencing Athlete Development Award
It is our mission to provide premium quality instruction for physical and character development through fencing for Arizona!
Increase discipline, focus, reaction times, and flexibility! The benefits of fencing are recognized by the most prestigious universities, with many of our students becoming NCAA recruits.
The German Fencing Academy is a USA Fencing accredited and insured club, with roots to the fencing school of Heidelberg, Germany.
All of our instructors went through a rigorous certification process, including background check and SafeSport certification on top of their coaching certifications.
Join our ranks of National Medalists and Junior Olympics Athletes and continue this tradition right here in Southern Arizona!
Our coaches are accredited and rated at the highest level by USA Fencing, the USFCA, and the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB).
Fencing is a sport for all ages, with competitions from Youth (8 years) to Veterans (70+), so it’s never too late to learn how to lunge, parry and riposte!
What we do
(and do well)
Focus and mental development.
Fundamentals and physical development.
Character development and life skills.
Jens Stephan
Head Coach & Co-Founder
USFCA Master of Arms (Level 5), USFCA Master Certifier
“More than 25 years ago, I was blessed with access to world-class coaching in Heidelberg (Germany). Now that my kids are old enough to fence, I look forward to bringing the same quality of coaching to my wife’s home-state!”
Coach Jens Stephan is accredited by the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) and US Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) with 20+ years coaching experience at the Club, NCAA, and Federation level. His students include NCAA recruits to Columbia University, Stanford, Notre Dame, Caltech, and other outstanding academic institutions. Among his current and former students are NCAA All Americans, NCAA Regional and National Champions, as well as Junior Olympic Medalists, and World Championship Team Members.
He is a USA Fencing certified referee. As a competitor, he won individual and team tournaments in many countries, including the 2000 National Collegiate Championships in Germany. He was for many years on the German and US Senior Points Lists. Most recently he won bronze at the 2025 US National Championships (Vet40) and finished the 2024/25 season in 3rd place on the US National Points List.
Coach Jens also holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Southern California and has published research on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
He and his wife Leticia (also a USFCA Coach), who grew up in Arizona, have three children, who are all active in the fencing community.
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Leticia Stephan
Development Coach & Co-Founder
USFCA Level 2 Coach (pending)Coach Leticia has extensive experience in fitness training and leads our development program. She is a graduate of the USA Fencing Leadership Academy (class of 25) and frequently attends USFCA coaching clinics. Coach Leticia is committed to fostering accountability and discipline in a fun and supportive environment.
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Darius Brown
Assistant Coach
USFCA Level 3 Coach (pending)Coach Darius boasts more than a decade of experience as a foil competitor, having participated in North America Cups and received training in New York. When injuries interrupted his active career, his passion for the sport led him to pursue coaching.
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GFA Junior Coaches
Junior Coaches
USFCA Level 1+ CoachesOur junior coaches are dedicated to giving back to the sport while gaining valuable leadership experience, providing the next generation of fencers with the benefits of their expertise.
Helping you reach your full potential.
Private Lessons
One-on-one instruction with one of our certified coaches.
Group Classes (Recreational)
We offer regular fencing classes at our brand new studio inside the Tucson Mall for those who want to learn the foundation, history, and the art of fencing.
We teach focus, discipline, and athletic fundamentals such as agility, mobility, and strength.
Junior Olympic Prep-Program (Travel Team)
Our performance program is for athletes who are committed to the sport and the pursuit of higher goals. By invitation only.
Corporate Team Building
We offer fencing for corporate team building events and leadership training. Please inquire how we can help your business!