Coaches

B.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis on teaching and coaching the sport of fencing. Education and experience in the theory of an athlete’s preparation and methodology of physical education.

Over 15 years of experience as a fencing athlete.

7 year member of the Ukrainian National Fencing Team

4 times Team Champions at the Ukraine National Championships

7 times Gold Medal Junior Ukrainian National Championships

Finalist in a Junior World Cup in Poland 2013

Finalist in the World Championships in Jordan 2011

Team finalist in the European Championships in Croatia 2013

Awarded Sportsman of the Year 2013 for the city of Donetsk, Ukraine

Click here for Bogdan's World Championship Ranking

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Ilya Bilko is a talented fencer who began his journey at the age of 7. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the leaders in his age group in the children's league.

Kiev Higher School of Physical Culture (2016-2019)

Kiev State University of Physical Culture (2019-2022)

State University of Physical Education and Sports, Kiev, Ukraine (2022-present), pursuing a master's degree in sports

3rd Place at the Open Championship of Ukraine (2021)

1st Place with the Open Championship of Ukraine Team (2022)

3rd Place in the World Cup Circuit in Poland (2018)

1st Place in the Open Championship Cadet of Ukraine (2018)

Master of Sports of Ukraine (2020)

Igor started fencing at the age of 7 and was one of the leaders of the children's league in his age group. In 2013, Igor enrolled in the Nikolaev Higher School of Physical Culture, Nikolaev, Ukraine. In 2016, he enrolled in the Lviv State School of Physical Culture. After graduating, he enrolled in the Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Bobersky, majoring in sports (bachelor's degree). In 2022, he enrolled in the State University of Physical Education and Sports in Chisinau, Moldova, majoring in sports (master's degree).

3rd Place in the Open Championship of Ukraine in individual competition, Kiev, Ukraine (2012)

1st Place in the Open Championship of Belarus in team competition, Gomel, Belarus (2012)

3rd Place in the Open Championship of Moldova in team competition, Chisinau, Moldova (2013)

1st Place in the Open Championship of Ukraine in team competition, Lviv, Ukraine (2014)

2nd Place in the Open Championship of Belarus in individual competition, Gomel, Belarus (2014)

Multiple Champion of Ukraine among cadets, juniors, and U23.

Member of the National Team Junior and Cadet

Master of Sports of Ukraine (2018)

Born in the United States, Christopher Sohn is an accomplished fencer and dedicated coach with a strong competitive background. He has earned multiple national and regional accolades and has coached at top university fencing programs.

2017 - Gold Medalist, October NAC

2018 - 2019 - Silver Medalist, Regional Points Circuit

2016 - 2019 - Four-time Junior Olympics Attendee

2022 - 2024 - Coach, UCLA Fencing Club

2024 - Present - Coach, UC Berkeley Fencing Club

Dmytro Farionov is an experienced Foil and Epee coach at Prime Fencing Academy. He began his fencing career at the age of 9 and quickly became one of the top young athletes in his city of Mykolaiv, Ukraine. In 2018, he enrolled at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University in Mykolaiv, where he pursued a degree in sports. Dmytro also holds a Master degree in Biology.

8th Place in the European Cadet Championships, Moscow, Russia (2014)

5th Place in the team competition at the Budapest Championships, Hungary (2018)

Multiple National Champion of Ukraine among cadets and juniors, both individually and in team events

Member of the Ukrainian National Team for juniors and cadets