


Ethan Kim, EFA GA
Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2025
Elite Fencing was, and still is, my home. Throughout middle and high school, I spent countless hours practicing and honing my fencing techniques. Under the guidance of Elite and my coaches, I cultivated my dedication and passion for the sport. Coaches Ahmed, Ayman, and Sherif Fayez devoted their time and energy to help me grow not only as a fencer ,but also as a person. From them, I learned that ego is not something to be ashamed of and that, in order to win, I must bring my personality onto the strip. I met lifelong mentors and partners through Elite, regardless of our differences in age, experience, or skill.
I began my journey with Elite at the start of its founding. Even though we may have lacked quantity, the quality at Elite was incomparable. From the private lessons with Coach Ahmed, to group classes with Coach Sherif, and individual bouting with Coach Ayman, I learned more fencing in just two years than the entirety of my career. Coach Ahmed meticulously crafted my fencing into a weapon that was adaptable, while Coach Sherif and Coach Ayman gave me real-time bouting experiences. Even though they are now coaches, at their heart, they are fencers themselves. They showed their desire to pass down their knowledge and see their teachings and way of fencing expand.
My favorite memory at Elite was at the January NAC in 2020, when we fenced in, and won, the Team Men’s Épée event. It was the culmination of all the struggles and hardships my teammates, coaches, and I endured to earn our place in the fencing community. During what was arguably one of the most pivotal chapters of my life, I learned the most important lesson in my life: never quit. I took it to heart and began the recruitment process with several universities that offered NCAA fencing. Fortunately, I was accepted to join Johns Hopkins University as a member of the Class of 2025.
Before leaving, Coach Ahmed imparted to a final memento, “Remember, with everything in life, take it one touch at a time. You only need one moment to shine.
Because of these lessons my coaches instilled in me, I was able to thrive in college. Embracing a winner’s mentality and taking responsibility for my actions propelled me into the next phase of my life. As a senior at Johns Hopkins reaching another turning point, I realize the importance fencing has had. Everything I have learned from Elite continues to drive me forward. This journey in fencing has led me to meet so many new people and to experience so many exciting events.
I am deeply grateful for the support, love, and guidance the Elite family has given me, and I will continue to make everyone proud!
Fencing Achievements as a fencer at EFA:
Y 14 Men’s Epee:
- March Nac 2018 – 9th place
- Summer Nationals 2018 – 14th place
Div 2 Men’s Epee:
- April Nac 2018 – 9th place
Div 1A Men’s Epee:
- December Nac 2018 – 25th place
- January Nac 2019 – 29th place
Cadet Men’s Epee:
- Summer Nationals 2019 – 36th place
- Junior Olympics 2019 – 47th place
Senior Team Men’s Epee:
- Summer Nationals 2019 – 8th place
- January Nac 2020 – 1st place

