About
At WFA, we are more than just a fencing club—we are a family. We welcome everyone, from first-time fencers to seasoned athletes, and foster a supportive environment where individuals become teammates and teammates become lifelong friends. Our training combines intensity and fun, helping each student develop not only technical skills, but also confidence, decision-making, and a winning mindset for life. Whether you're fencing recreationally or pursuing high-level competition, we are committed to personal growth and building character. At WFA, we’re dedicated to the whole person—not just the fencer.
Located in Issaquah, Washington, just 15 minutes east of Seattle, Washington Fencing Academy (WFA) has been a cornerstone of the Seattle Eastside fencing community since 2002. We specialize in Olympic-style saber fencing, offering classes, private lessons, events, and practice sessions for children and adults of all skill levels. As a fully sanctioned member of the United States Fencing Association (USFA), we are committed to providing top-tier fencing instruction in a welcoming and competitive environment.
We are also home to an active and successful Veteran (40+) programs. Many National and World Champions have trained at WFA, including Mark Lundborg (our head coach and three-time World Champion), Jeff Gueble, and Ellen O’Leary.
Our facility features a dedicated fencing floor as well as a comfortable viewing area with free WiFi, where parents can catch up on work, students can study, or visitors can simply relax and enjoy the action. Whether you're here to train, spectate, or support a fencer, you'll find WFA to be a friendly and accommodating space.
Our Team
Mark Lundborg - Head Coach, Emeritus
Mark Lundborg began fencing after watching fencing at the 1984 LA Olympics. He joined WFA in 2013 and has been fencing for over two decades. He holds the instructor rank of Moniteur and brings a wealth of experience to our students. He is a Co-Owner of WFA.
A three-time World Champion, Mark made history in 2019 by winning gold at the World Veteran’s Cup, becoming the Men’s Saber World Champion in the Vet 50-59 category. He remains the only fencer to win gold in his first-ever World Championship appearance while also being the oldest competitor in his age group.
When the World Championships resumed in 2022 after COVID-related cancellations, Mark returned to claim gold once again—this time in the Vet 60-69 category. In 2023, he successfully defended his title, winning gold for the third consecutive time. He has brought home 6 World Championship medals in total, and his dominance on the world stage has cemented his legacy as a World Champion.
At WFA, Mark teaches advanced and competitive-level classes and offers private lessons to intermediate and advanced competitive students, helping them refine their skills and develop a winning mindset. He currently holds an A24 rating.
Ethan Miller - Head Coach
Ethan is WFA’s Head Coach and has been a valued member of the WFA community since 2017. A lifelong fencer who began the sport at age seven, he has grown from a WFA camp counselor and student instructor into one of the driving forces behind our competitive program.
Currently holding a C25 rating, Ethan is also a rated referee and teaches students at every level, from beginners through advanced competitive fencers. He provides private lessons and serves as WFA’s primary tournament and strip coach, working closely with students to develop both their technical skills and their ability to apply them successfully in competition.
Ethan has played a major role in the recent growth and success of WFA’s competitive program. His dedicated coaching, tournament preparation, and strip coaching helped WFA athletes achieve some of the club’s strongest results in years, including guiding three WFA fencers to medals at the 2026 USA Fencing National Championships.
Having moved frequently as a child, Ethan trained under a variety of coaches and was exposed to different fencing styles and techniques. That experience has given him a broad and adaptable approach to coaching. He has an exceptional ability to understand how individual students fence, identify what they need to improve, and help them develop the skills and confidence to reach the next level.
Angie Bongaarts
Angie joined WFA in 2016, discovering her passion for fencing at the age of 45. Just a year later, in 2017, she took on key administrative roles within the organization and began teaching youth fencers. Now a co-owner of WFA, Angie coaches beginner and intermediate-level students. She offers private lessons for beginner and intermediate level students.
Before fencing, Angie built a strong foundation in Shotokan Karate, where she competed at the national level. With over a decade of teaching experience in karate, she developed a deep understanding of body mechanics, discipline, and competitive mindset—all of which she seamlessly integrates into her fencing instruction. Her unique background gives her students a well-rounded approach to training, emphasizing both technical skill and mental preparation for competition.
Kristyna Kalisova
Kiki joined WFA in 2016 at just 10 years old and quickly became a dedicated competitor. Before heading off to college, she regularly competed in local and regional tournaments, consistently ranking in her division. She currently holds a C22 rating, and placed 6th in Div2 Women’s Saber at the last National Championships.
Now a biochemistry major at the University of Washington, Kiki continues to share her passion for fencing as one of WFA’s most beloved instructors. Consistently rated as a student favorite, she teaches beginner and intermediate-level students, bringing energy, expertise, and a competitive mindset to her coaching. With her strong tournament background, she excels at teaching footwork, reflexes, and mental preparation, helping students develop both skill and confidence on the strip.
Jeff Geuble
Jeff discovered fencing on his first day of college, drawn in after walking past a class—and he’s been hooked ever since. A dedicated competitor, he has competed at the regional, national, and international levels, earning impressive results. Jeff currently holds a B21 rating.
In 2019, Jeff won bronze in Veteran Men’s Saber (Team) at the World Championships, where he also placed 6th individually in the Vet 60-69 Men’s Saber category. He currently holds the Bronze medal in Vet-60 Men’s Saber from the 2026 National Championships. His extensive competition experience makes him a valuable resource for fencers looking to refine their skills and strategy.
Jeff offers private lessons for intermediate and advanced competitive students, helping them elevate their game with expert coaching and tactical insight.