Garik Balayan

Garik Balayan has been recognized by the USFCA/AAI as a Maitre d'Armes (2001).  Maestro Balayan was trained as a fencing master in Azerbaijan in the former Soviet Union, and had a distinguished career as a foil coach in the USSR. From 1975-1988 he coached the Azerbaijan National team. In 1985, Maestro Balayan was named "Most Valuable Coach of Azerbaijan."

From 1978-1988 Mr. Balayan was a member of the USSR Olympic coaching staff.  In 1988 Garik was awarded the USSR Medal of Merit for his performance as a coach at the Olympic Games in Seoul. In 1990, he was named a Coach of the USSR, the highest Soviet coaching rank. In 1989 Garik worked with the National Team of China. From 1990-1996 he trained the Belarus national team. From 1996-1999, Garik taught in Graz, Austria. He moved to Seattle with his family in April of 1999, and has worked with us since then.

Mr. Balayan's students have had great success in the international arena.

1987 World Cup, Bonn: Boris Koretski,  Individual Silver medal
1988 XXIV Olympic Games in Seoul: Boris Koretski and Ilgar Mamedov, Team USSR, Gold medal
1988 World Cup, Venice: Boris Koretski, Individual Gold medal
1989 World Championships: Koretski and Mamedov, Team USSR, Gold medal
1990 World Championships: Koretski and Mamedov, Team USSR, Bronze medal
1996 XXVI Olympic Games, Atlanta: Ilgar Mamedov, Team Russia, Gold medal

In addition, Mr. Balayan's student, Boris Koretski was champion of the Soviet Union from 1976-1980, and from 1987-1989. Ilgar Mamedov was Champion of the USSR in 1984 and 1990. All four members of the 1985 USSR Championship foil team were Mr. Balayan's students.

Stephen Colton

Stephen Colton is the head coach at Rain City Fencing Center. He is a USFCA/AAI certified Prevot d'Armes (1996). Coach Steve trained with Kim Man-Sik, former head coach of the South Korean Olympic fencing program, and with Ed Richards, a member of the USFA's National Coaching Staff. Steve taught fencing at Wallingford Rod & Foil from 1980-2000, at Shoreline Community College in Seattle from 1988-2000, and at the University of Washington from 1990-2000.  Steve has served two terms as the West Region Vice President of the US Fencing Coaches Association

His students have competed and medaled at all levels of US National competition.

Greg Jones

Greg Jones is a USFCA/AAI certified Moniteur d'Armes (2003). He started fencing in 1995. He has won national medals in épée and sabre and has competitive experience in all three weapons. Greg took the bronze medal in Men's Épée at the satellite World Cup in Edinburgh in March, 2004. His students have medaled in Youth, Division I-A, and Veteran national competitions. He was trained by Allen Evans, Jim Denton, Steve Colton, and Garik Balayan. 

Barbara Todd Heiner

Barbara Todd Heiner is a USFCA/AAI certified Moniteur in foil (2003). She fenced at Cornell University from 1977-1981, and then fenced on the national circuit from 1995-2001 where she won medals in both foil and sabre.  In 1998, Barbara took the Bronze medal in women's foil at the Nike World Masters Games in Portland, Oregon. She was the 1999 US Veteran Women's Foil National Champion, and won the silver medal in the same event in 2001. Barbara teaches foil to adults and kids.