Noah Te Velde (Saber) | Coach

Noah Te Velde is a top-ranked U.S. saber fencer hailing from Leverett, Massachusetts. He began coaching in 2021 with the renowned Peter Westbrook Foundation, where he developed a passion for mentoring the next generation of athletes.

A 3-time National Champion in Men’s Team saber and the 2021 individual silver medalist at the U.S. National Championships, Noah has competed internationally for Team USA since 2021. Along with Coaches Daniel Friend and Eric Ruiz, Noah was also a member of the inaugural Fencing Corps, a summer internship program that teaches high-performing collegiate fencers in the US and abroad about the business of fencing. His most recent national result was a top 8 medal in Division 1 Men’s Saber at 2025 Summer Nationals, and he spent the 2024-2025 season traveling to competitions on the international circuit when he wasn’t leading classes at TMFC East Side or strip coaching our fencers at tournaments.

Noah is a graduate of Hunter College in New York City.

Tom Seitz (Saber) | Coach

Born and raised in Paris, Coach Tom began fencing at the age of 8, initially training in foil and épée before finding his true passion in saber by age 12. After switching to saber, he quickly rose through the national ranks—holding the No. 1 spot in France for every youth age category starting at 14.

Tom went on to fence professionally for over a decade, achieving podium results on the world stage, including several World Cup, European Championship, and World Championship medals before retiring in 2024.

As a member of France’s senior national team, he remained among the country’s top four saber fencers and represented France at the World Championships for more than seven consecutive years. Throughout his career, Tom was coached by two of the most renowned figures in international fencing: Christian Bauer and Jean-Philippe Daurelle.

After retiring from elite competition following the Olympic selection cycle for the Paris Games, Tom transitioned to coaching with the goal of passing on both the technical excellence and personal resilience that defined his career. He is passionate about helping young fencers not only master the sport but also develop life skills that he feels he could have learned earlier—like overcoming fear and handling setbacks—that extend far beyond the strip.

Tom holds an engineering degree in Computer Science from La Sorbonne University, graduating in 2021.

Daniel Friend (Saber) | Tournament and Class Coordinator

Daniel Friend graduated from Smith College in 2024 with degrees in MathematicalSciences and Exercise and Sports Studies. His research programs at Smith include a literature review on The Biomechanic Trends of Competitive Saber, and lab research on The Optimal Mechanics of the Fencing Lunge. He was captain of the Smith fencing team from 2022-2024, during which time the team placed 9th and 4th in their category at USACFC Nationals. In 2024, Daniel received the NFC All-Star award (second team), and the Elliot Lilien award. Daniel worked in Athletics Administration for Smith’s NCAA Division III teams, assistant coached at the Cape Cod Fencers Club, and attended the No Barriers Summit in Colorado in 2023. Daniel came to Tim Morehouse Fencing Club as a member of the inaugural Fencing Corps program and has since joined the full- time staff as a coach, Class Coordinator, and Tournament Logistics Coordinator. He enjoys working with the youth programs, competitive fencers, and their families.

Eric Ruiz (Saber) | School Programs and Class Coordinator

Coach Eric began his fencing journey at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club’s Upper West Side location in 2016 while attending Democracy Prep, which was the first school to partner with Tim Morehouse’s 501(c)(3) initiative, Fencing in the Schools. Since then, he has remained a dedicated member of the TMFC community, working across all club locations to support youth camps and classes throughout college.

A graduate of SUNY Oneonta with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Athletic Coaching, Eric was deeply involved in student mentorship, peer advising, and leadership development through the Office of Equity & Inclusion. A native of the Bronx, he fenced in multiple TMFC competitions throughout his university career as well as contributed to the Oneonta club team. In 2024, he was selected for the inaugural Fencing Corps internship, an immersive summer program that trains collegiate fencers in the business of coaching and club operations.

Eric currently leads Fencing in the School’s afterschool programs which are held at our clubs for several NYC public and charter schools that lack gym space, and he assists lead coaches with all youth classes and day camps at our Upper West Side location. Eric hopes to eventually utilize what he’s learned from Tim Morehouse Fencing Club to earn his Master’s in Sports Psychology.

Abdallah Abohashima (Epee) | Olympic Coach and Referee

Coach Abdallah Abohashima has been a fencing referee and coach for many years and has trained some of the best young fencers around the globe. His most recent debut on the world stage was Cairo 2022.

He has been coaching at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club for the past year and is a fantastic edition to the club. His students have won regional, national medals, and international competitions.

We couldn’t be more excited to have him on our team, developing our Epee Program and supporting TMFC students.

DISTANCES TO TIM MOREHOUSE FENCING CLUB IN STAMFORD, CT AT CHELSEA PIERS:
Stamford, CT are: Norwalk, CT (7.2 miles); Greenwich, CT (7.3 miles); Darien, CT (8.1 miles); Westport, CT (9.2 miles); New Canaan, CT (10.4 miles); Port Chester, NY (11.3 miles); White Plains, NY (13.5 miles); Rye, NY (14.1 miles); Harrison, NY (15.6 miles); and Stratford, CT (16.2 miles).

Akhi Spencer-el | Olympian and Olympic Coach (Paris 2024)

We are thrilled to announce that Olympian and Olympic Team Saber Coach Akhi Spencer-El is officially joining the coaching staff at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, starting Monday, February 3!

This is far more than just a professional addition to our team—it’s a truly meaningful full-circle moment. Akhi and I share a special history that dates back to our elementary school days at Central Park East in East Harlem. From being schoomates to becoming Olympic fencers, our journeys have intertwined in incredible ways over the past 40 years!

Akhi is widely regarded for his exceptional coaching expertise and just as importantly, he is also deeply respected for his integrity, kindness, and dedication to his students. As Akhi joins us as a coach, I am very grateful that I will be able to work with him to inspire and develop the next generation of champions at our newest facility, TMFC’s East Side location, where he will play a key role in leading the growth of the club.

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Akhi to the TMFC family!

A Legacy of Excellence in Fencing

Akhi Spencer-El brings an extraordinary wealth of experience and accomplishments to TMFC. A seasoned coach at both the prestigious New York Fencers Club and the Peter Westbrook Foundation, Akhi has also spent years shaping top-tier athletes at Columbia University with the team claiming 3 national titles during his tenure. His coaching career includes serving as a multi-time U.S. National and Olympic Men’s Saber Team Coach at the Paris Olympics. His students include US Olympic Medalist Daryl Homer, Olympian Khalil Thompson and Olympic Medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad in addition to the numerous national and international medalists he has coached and developed throughout the years.

Coaching education

Akhi’s education and training are equally impressive—he holds a Maestro’s degree from the renowned Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, a program that has also produced TMFC coaches Iba Keita, Mamodou Keita, and Coach Sall.

Athletic Accomplishments

As an athlete, Akhi represented the United States at the highest levels of competition. He made history as the first U.S. saber fencer to achieve the #1 world ranking as a Junior, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. He competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, became a two-time U.S. National Champion, and solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.

A Vision for TMFC

At Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, Akhi will bring his unmatched expertise, passion, and coaching philosophy to help elevate both our developmental and competitive programs. From guiding youth fencers to supporting elite athletes, Akhi’s leadership will be a game-changer for our community. His addition reflects our commitment to providing world-class training and mentorship for fencers at every level.

A Family Affair

Akhi is not only a remarkable coach but also a dedicated family man. He and his wife are proud parents to four wonderful children: twins Zoe and Olivia, who are both 11 years old; Elijah, a 13-year-old saber fencer who is excited to join the TMFC community; and Skye, who is 16 years old.

Achievements as a Coach

• Olympic Coach: Coached the U.S. Men’s Saber Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• Columbia University: Guided one of the nation’s top collegiate fencing programs to three national championships.

• Peter Westbrook Foundation: Continues to mentor young athletes, fostering their development in fencing and life.

Welcome to the team, Coach Akhi Spencer-El—we are thrilled to have you with us!

Daryl Homer (Saber) | Olympic Silver Medalist and Coach

Daryl Homer, an Olympic silver medalist in saber fencing, joined Tim Morehouse Fencing Club (TMFC) as a coach in the spring of 2024. His extensive experience and dedication have significantly enriched the club's training programs. As a former Olympic teammate of TMFC founder Tim Morehouse, Daryl brings a deep-rooted friendship and a shared commitment to excellence, serving as an inspiring role model for students.

Background and Achievements:

Born on July 16, 1990, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Daryl moved to New York City at the age of five. He began fencing at 11 after discovering the sport in a dictionary and joined the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which introduces inner-city youth to fencing. Daryl chose saber, inspired by Peter Westbrook, a six-time Olympian and 1984 Olympic bronze medalist.

Daryl's fencing career is marked by numerous accolades:

• Olympic Games: Three-time Olympian, securing a silver medal in individual saber at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics—the first U.S. men's saber silver since 1904.

• World Championships: Silver medalist at the 2015 World Championships in Moscow, becoming the first U.S. men's saber fencer to achieve this feat.

• Pan American Championships: Eight-time team champion and three-time individual champion, underscoring his dominance in the Americas.

• NCAA: Back-to-back national champion during his tenure at St. John's University, where he earned a degree in advertising communications.

Beyond his competitive success, Daryl has always been dedicated to mentoring the next generation of fencers. 

As Daryl prepares for a potential run at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, his presence at TMFC offers students unparalleled insights into elite-level training and competition. His journey from a young enthusiast to an Olympic medalist exemplifies the dedication and passion he now imparts to aspiring fencers at the club.

Daryl teaches at both Tim Morehouse Fencing Club’s Manhattan locations on the East and West Side of Manhattan during the week.

Slava Grigoriev | Olympian and Head Foil Coach

Slava Grigoriev is a two time Olympian and recognized as one of the top coaches in the United States. His passion and dedication to the sport of fencing has helped to create numerous national and international level athletes. His students have won Cadet and Junior World Championships as well as Pan American and Asian Championships. 

Slava is dedicated to helping his students gain self-confidence, coordination, focus and precision as well as to develop a winning attitude through good sportsmanship in order to realize their full potential as athletes.

His students have also had incredible NCAA success with former and current students being recruited for and fencing at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities including Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Penn, Cornell, Brown, Duke, Stanford, NYU, Notre Dame, Vassar, Brandeis and Rice.