Welcome to Bozeman Fencing Association, LLC
Rooted in the European middle ages, yet thriving in the 21st century, fencing is a life-long sport with opportunities for competition, fitness, fun and community at all ages. Fencing involves skills, strategy, and individual self-discipline as well as the support and encouragement of the group. Fencing teaches problem solving, honesty, fair play and resilience. It builds strength, flexibility and self-confidence. Thanks to well designed modern weapons and protective gear, it is also extremely safe with lower rates of injury than virtually any other team or individual sport.
The Olympic Sport of Fencing
Fencing is done on a strip 14 meters long and two meters wide (called a piste). It includes three different weapons: epee, foil, and saber. At BFA we fence epee. The epee is a 35 inch flexible triangular blade and points are scored by depressing a button on the tip of your epee on your opponent. Younger fencers use shorter and lighter blades.
Commitment
All levels of fencers are welcome and encouraged. Some of our fencers fence recreationally for fun and fitness and don’t wish to compete. Many of our fencers choose to compete in tournaments held in Bozeman and the surrounding regions in order to build their skills and experience and challenge themselves with other fencers from near and far. Some of our fencers train rigorously many hours a week and compete at the national level.
We support and encourage families fencing together: couples, siblings as well as parents or grandparents with children.
Competition Program
As our fencers gain in skills, experience and maturity, they have the opportunity to become a part of the Competition Program. Competition fencers are teens and adults. Competition classes may include more intensive footwork sessions and speed/power/endurance training and are structured primarily in a private lesson and open bouting format so that each person can learn at their own speed with one on one attention. All fencers serve both as student and as coaches in this format. Our fencers develop teaching and leadership skills as they help to mentor and instruct each other and newer fencers. Our fencers teach what they know so that we all rise together. Having our fencers simultaneously fence and teach helps us create a healthy learner environment where fencing skills are learned more quickly and with deeper understanding.
Visiting Fencers
Fencing guests from out of town are welcome. Please contact us before visiting. A national fencing membership is required.
Our Story
Bozeman Fencing Association, LLC was established in 2014 by Michele Carey as a way to expand fencing opportunities in Bozeman. Michele actively competes at the local, regional and national level.
Staff
Michele Carey
Head Coach
Mich teaches adult and youth classes as well as private lessons. She competes nationally and internationally. Mich brings patience, joy, and field-tested experience to her coaching practice resulting in confident and capable fencers who love the sport as much as she does.
In her other life, she is a licensed mental health counselor (LCPC) in private practice.
Kai Cummings
Head Coach
Kai holds the US Fencing Coaches Association’s Moniteur de Epee and teaches private lessons, classes, and camps. He competes and coaches both nationally and internationally.
Known for his concise instruction, clear feedback, and deep knowledge of fencing history, Kai brings a wealth of experience to athletes of all abilities.
Kai has trained regularly in Hungary, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy and has trained with French Olympic Coach, Maestro Michel Siccard.
Kai is also a HEMA coach and is certified in theatrical fight choreography by Fight Directors Canada. He is a fluent German speaker.
Scott Salzer
Assistant Coach
Mental Health Therapist (LCPC) by day, fencing coach by night, Scott instructs youth classes and fences competitively at the national level.
During his free time Scott can be found climbing, mountain biking, and skiing at Bridger Bowl with his family (who also fence).
Aaliyah Heinrichs
Assistant Coach
Aaliyah coaches youth classes and private lessons. She competes at both the national and international level.
Aaliyah was selected as the USA representative to the 2026 Pan American Games Coach Development Program where she will join rising talent from over 40 countries who represent the next generation of elite fencing coaches.
Atticus Cummings
Assistant Coach
After several years in Europe, Atticus currently splits his time between Bozman and Eugene Oregon.
Atticus competes in Senior Men’s Epee nationally and internationally. He has trained in Switzerland, Hungary, Spain and Singapore, and has represented the United States in international tournaments in Spain, Ireland, Malaysia, and Switzerland.
Most recently, Atticus fenced for Team SAM in Barcelona, Spain under Maestro Adrian Salazar, competing on the Spanish national circuit.
Atticus brings an international perspective to his coaching. He mentors fencers to travel internationally and to develop their mental game.
Fencing teaches problem solving, honesty, fair play and resilience
Our fencers demonstrate respect, acceptance, and kindness for themselves and all others
Fencing provides opportunities for growth, friendship and community