OUR FACILITY
Welcome to our state-of-the-art fencing facility! At our facility, we prioritize safety above all else. We understand that fencing can be a thrilling and competitive sport, but it's also important to practice in a secure environment.
Our facility is equipped with top-of-the-line safety features to ensure that you can fence with confidence. Our high-quality fencing equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it's in optimal condition. We also have safety gear available for rent or purchase, including masks, jackets, and gloves, to protect you from any potential injuries. Fencing strips are placed as far as possible from one another allowing for maximum freedom of movement and minimal risk. Our strips are the exact same strips used at the highest-level international competitions!
In addition to safety, our facility offers a range of amenities to enhance your fencing experience. Our spacious and well-lit fencing area provides ample room for practice and competition. We also have a comfortable viewing area for friends and family to watch your matches.
Meet the Team
Shomari Moore (Founder)
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shomari began his fencing career at a young age and quickly showed an innate ability for the sport. He pursued his passion for the sport and established himself as a top-level fencer, competing in both national and international competitions.
Shomari's impressive fencing career includes being an NCAA qualifier and a medalist at North American Championships (NAC). He has also represented the United States in several international competitions, furthering his status as one of the country's most elite fencers.
With over 12 years of experience coaching fencers of all levels, Shomari is known for his ability to identify and nurture each student's potential, helping them reach their full potential in the sport.
Most recently, Shomari led The Master’s School fencing team to gold medals in both the men's and women's epee team events. His dedication to his students and the sport of fencing has earned him the respect of the fencing community, and his reputation as a highly skilled and effective coach continues to grow.
Shomari is known for showing up and being there for others, volunteering at the Peter Westbrook Foundation and “Fencing in the Parks”, an initiative to provide free fencing classes to under-resourced communities in Brooklyn.
Email: Coachm@cdfencing.com
Instagram: @coachm___
OLY Curtis McDowald (Founder)
Curtis McDowald is an accomplished fencer who has represented the United States at the highest levels of competition, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Specializing in épée, Curtis has earned a reputation for his fierce competitive spirit, technical prowess, and relentless drive to excel.
McDowald's fencing journey began in New York City, where he trained under some of the nation’s most respected coaches. Rising through the ranks of junior and cadet fencing, Curtis claimed multiple national and international titles before earning a spot on the U.S. Senior National Team. He has competed in numerous World Cup and Grand Prix events, consistently achieving top results and pushing the boundaries of U.S. épée fencing on the global stage.
A standout moment in Curtis’s career was his role in helping Team USA win a historic bronze medal at the Zonal Championship, marking a pivotal achievement for U.S. men's épée. His aggressive yet calculated style has made him a formidable opponent on the piste, earning him the admiration of peers and fencing enthusiasts alike.
In addition to his success as a competitor, Curtis is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sport, often working to inspire the next generation of fencers through mentorship and outreach. His combination of talent, determination, and leadership continues to make a significant impact in the fencing community.
Email: Curtis@cdfencingclub.com
Instagram: Curtis Mcdowald
Shuya Ishizuka
Fencing Coach & Personal Trainer
Shuya Ishizuka is a dynamic fencing coach with experience across multiple clubs, including Cloak and Dagger Fencing Club and New Amsterdam Fencing Academy. Shuya has been coaching since 2021, working with fencers of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. At Cloak and Dagger, he leads warmups, footwork drills, and private lessons, helping fencers refine their skills and excel in competition.
In addition to his coaching expertise, Shuya is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, with experience crafting individualized workout programs for athletes. His background in fitness enhances his ability to develop well-rounded fencers, ensuring both technical and physical growth.
A former top 20 national fencer and training partner of Olympic Gold Medalist Maia Weintraub, Shuya brings a wealth of competitive experience and knowledge to his coaching.
Email: Shuya@cdfencing.com
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Francisco Martin (Honorary Coach)
Mr. Martin is a renowned fencing master who was Spain’s national champion on six occasions, coached the Spanish National Team, and was honored as Spain’s Best Sportsman of the Year in 1973.
Mr. Martin has chaired the organizing committee in three fencing World Cups and one Pan American Junior Championship and frequently travels the world to referee at fencing World Cups, international championships, and the Olympic Games. He has served as U.S. Team Captain at the: World Championship in Paris, France 2010; Cadet/Junior World Championship in Amman, Jordan, 2010; World Championship in Catania, Italy 2011; World Junior Cadet Championship in Moscow, Russia 2012; Pan American Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica, 2010; Pan American Championship in Reno, NV, 2011; and he will be at the Pan American Championship 2012 this June in Cancun, Mexico.
At , he coaches the award-winning varsity fencing teams, as well as tennis and soccer. The varsity fencing teams won six Independent School Fencing League (ISFL) titles this year, with boys and girls foil and girls sabre undefeated.
You can learn more about Coach Martin here.
Valentina Bos
Fencing Coach & Swiss National Team Member
Valentina Bos is an accomplished épée fencer and coach, a member of the Swiss National Team. She has earned significant accolades on the international stage, including a bronze medal in the women’s épée team event at the Vancouver World Cup. Additionally, Valentina placed 12th at the Junior World Championships in 2017, claimed the Senior Swiss Team Championship title in 2016, and was part of the Junior Swiss Championship-winning team in 2015.
Her collegiate fencing career was equally distinguished. Valentina qualified for the NCAA Championships, placing 14th, and achieved a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional. She recorded a 17-4 mark at the Western Invitational and helped Columbia University secure the Ivy League Championship title with clutch performances.
As a coach, Valentina leverages her elite competitive experience to guide fencers at the Basel Fencing Club in Switzerland. Her coaching emphasizes technical mastery and a competitive mindset, fostering both growth and success at all levels.
Email: Valentina@cdfencing.com
Cameron Daniels
Fencing Coach & NYU Fencing Team Alumnus
Cameron Daniels is a dedicated fencing coach with over two years of experience working within the New York public and private school system. With more than a decade of fencing experience, Cameron combines his deep knowledge of the sport with a passion for teaching. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from NYU, where he was a member of the university's prestigious fencing team.
Cameron’s coaching style focuses on developing both the physical and mental aspects of fencing, helping his students grow as athletes and individuals. His background in psychology enhances his approach to training, allowing him to better understand and guide his students toward success.