Meet Our Founder: Ziad Elsissy, Olympic Fencer

At Z1 Fencing Club, our commitment to excellence begins with our founder, Ziad Elsissy, one of the world's premier saber fencers. His experience in Olympic fencing helps shape every aspect of our training philosophy, from beginner fencing classes to advanced competitive instruction.

As a two-time Olympian representing Alexandria, Egypt, Ziad has dedicated his career to competing at the highest levels of international fencing while inspiring the next generation of athletes. His passion for the sport, combined with years of elite competition, has helped shape Z1 Fencing Club into a place where beginners and experienced competitors alike can develop confidence, discipline, and championship-level skills.

A Historic Career on the World Stage

Ziad's accomplishments have earned him recognition as one of the most successful saber fencers in history. In 2024, he became the World #1 in men's saber, making history as the first African and Arab saber fencer to achieve the top world ranking. Throughout his career, he has also become the first African and Arab athlete to win a Saber Grand Prix title and earn a medal at the World Championships.

His impressive list of achievements includes:

These milestones reflect years of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, which are qualities that define every aspect of Z1 Fencing Club.

Making Olympic History

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked another unforgettable chapter in Ziad's career. His remarkable fourth-place finish represented the highest Olympic result ever achieved by an Egyptian saber fencer. Competing against the world's best athletes, Ziad demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship on fencing's biggest stage.

His Olympic journey serves as a powerful example for every student at Z1 Fencing Club, proving that with focused training and the right coaching, ambitious goals can become reality.

Coaching the Next Generation of Champions

While Ziad continues to compete at the highest levels, he is equally passionate about helping young athletes unlock their potential. As a highly respected fencing coach, he brings firsthand experience from international competition into every lesson and training session.

Students at Z1 Fencing Club benefit from technical instruction, strategic coaching, and a positive training environment designed to develop both athletic ability and personal confidence. Whether a student is fencing recreationally or preparing for national or international competition, Ziad's mentorship helps them build the skills needed to succeed both on and off the strip.

Whether students are participating in group fencing classes or seeking private fencing training, Ziad provides individualized coaching that helps every athlete reach their full potential.

Train with Z1 Fencing Club

Z1 Fencing Club was founded with a simple mission: to create an environment where athletes can learn from world-class coaches and pursue their highest potential. Under Ziad Elsissy's leadership, our high-performance program continues to help students grow into confident competitors while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the sport of fencing.

Today, Z1 Fencing Club welcomes aspiring fencers from Rye, NY; Larchmont, NY; Harrison, NY; Scarsdale, NY; and Greenwich, CT who are looking to learn from one of the world's top saber fencers. Contact Z1 Fencing Club today to find out more about our fencing classes and programs, schedule a visit, or begin your fencing journey with a team dedicated to helping future champions thrive.