ERIC HOLMGREN

Fencing for over twenty years, Eric Holmgren was trained by fencing master Albert Couturier in a traditional style that combines the best of the French and Hungarian styles. Coach Holmgren is a member of the USFA (United States Fencing Association) and has been a competitive fencer.

In 1993 Holmgren was asked to coach the fencing club at the University of California at Irvine. In 2000 he established their first intercollegiate team.

Since then the UCI team has become a major participant in the Intercollegiate Fencing Conference of Southern California (IFCSC). Several UCI individuals as well as teams have placed well in the conference and other regional events. He has served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the IFCSC. In addition to training the fencing team at UCI, Coach Holmgren also teaches an introduction to fencing class for university students and a summer fencing camp for junior high and high school students.

Coach Holmgren has a love for the sport of fencing. He believes that it is a superb activity for improving one's body, mind and character. His goal as a fencing coach is to develop strength, intelligence, and integrity in each of his students and to teach them skills that will contribute to their academic and professional success.

He has been certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association as a Moniteur d' Armes (all three weapons) and Prevot de Fleuret (foil). He is also a certified member of the Positive Coaching Alliance.

GEORGE CLOVIS

George has been fencing for over 50 years. He was trained by Irving Kipnis and Bruce Burch in Tucson Az. In his youth he was several times the state champion in all three weapons. At the age of 19, he spent the summer taking lessons from the famous George Santelli in New York. Later he won “All Western Regional” honors in foil, epee and saber.

While serving in the armed forces, he was a member of US military team which won first place in the 1964 International Military Championships in Vienna, Austria.

After military service, George moved to Los Angeles and studied with Maitre Delmar Calvert for 7 years. He began coaching formally at that time and continued his personal training under the renowned Heizaburo Okawa.

George coached at Caltech for 27 years during which time the teams won numerous championships in the Intercollegiate Fencing Conference of Southern California. Notable among these was a run of 8 consecutive saber team titles. He coached with Robert Randolph at Salle Grenadier during which time the club won 10 consecutive Pacific Coast Team Saber championships and most of the individual saber championships. Recently, he has coached at Los Angeles Sheriff Department’s Youth Center producing several champions in the San Bernardino Division of the United States Fencing Association. George has a B.S. and M.S. in Physical Education.

Coach Clovis has dedicated his life to fencing and teaching fencing. He enjoys working with fencers of all ages and levels of experience. He strives to instill confidence and excellence in all of his students. George is available for private lessons in foil or saber for all Gryphon fencers. For our top competitors, he is available to travel with them and coach them at regional and national events. Gryphon Fencing is pleased and honored to have such an accomplished fencing coach as George Clovis available for our fencing members.

Private Lessons
This is an excellent way for fencers to advance in their knowledge and skill. Private lessons are a traditional way fencing has been taught over the centuries.  Students work one-on-one with the coach of their choice learning the tactics and technique of either foil, epee or saber.  The coach introduces new material and/or helps the student to prepare for competition.

Most lessons are approximately 20~25 minutes at a rate of $25 per session.  Lessons should be scheduled in advance with the coach.  Call or visit the studio to make reservations.