Welcome to the Bida Fencing Academy
The world’s topmost club where champions are created
BFA provides comfortable and world-class elite training for fencers of all training levels and ages. Drawing on the experience of the world-renowned head coach Sergey Bida and his Olympic class coaching team, we provide a unique, proven training system with half a century of experience that will allow fencers of all ages and levels of mastery to reach their highest potential.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Fencing Academy is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Academy for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Fencing Academy is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Academy for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
Welcome to the Bida Fencing Academy
The world’s topmost club where champions are created
BFA provides comfortable and world-class elite training for fencers of all training levels and ages. Drawing on the experience of the world-renowned head coach Sergey Bida and his Olympic class coaching team, we provide a unique, proven training system with half a century of experience that will allow fencers of all ages and levels of mastery to reach their highest potential.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Fencing Academy is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Academy for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Fencing Academy is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Academy for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
BF provides comfortable and world-class elite training for fencers of all training levels and ages. Drawing on the experience of the world-renowned head coach Sergey Bida and his Olympic class coaching team, we provide a unique, proven training system with half a century of experience that will allow fencers of all ages and levels of mastery to reach their highest potential.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Foundation is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Club for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
Our coaches of Olympic pedigree are not only the world’s best experts in their field; they are also mentors and friends who are passionate about sharing their love for the sport.
Bida Foundation is more than just a fencing club; we strive to create a healthy, dynamic, and fun environment, focusing not only on the results, but also on the process and the overall well-being of each of our athletes.
We espouse an individual-centered approach, as we consider each fencer not just as an athlete, but as a unique person with their own needs and ambitions.
Whether a student wants to win Olympic gold, join the school team, or just learn a new sport, he or she will have a great time developing fencing skills that challenge both body and mind.
Fencing is a unique and captivating sport that is best experienced first hand. We invite you to our Club for a rendezvous with your dream sport. We are looking forward to seeing you on the strip.
OUR GOALS
• To help all aspiring candidates on their mission of fencing - discovering one of the most beautiful and fascinating sports.
• Help our athletes realize their dream, whether it be making the roster of their school team or winning an Olympic gold medal.
• Help our fencers get into the best universities in the United States.
• Provide everybody elite level professional training in fencing.
• Create the least cumbersome and the most favorable pathway for students to achieve and realize all their goals and ambitions.
• Foster and promote physical advancement and health conditioning through fencing
• Prepare students psychologically and mentally to overcome challenges and to strive in the pursuit of their goals.
• Help our athletes realize their dream, whether it be making the roster of their school team or winning an Olympic gold medal.
• Help our fencers get into the best universities in the United States.
• Provide everybody elite level professional training in fencing.
• Create the least cumbersome and the most favorable pathway for students to achieve and realize all their goals and ambitions.
• Foster and promote physical advancement and health conditioning through fencing
• Prepare students psychologically and mentally to overcome challenges and to strive in the pursuit of their goals.
Coaches and STAFF
SERGEY BIDA OLY
Co-founder, CEO, Head Coach
Fencing experience from 2005
Fencing experience from 2005
Here is a living legend of the world's elite epee fencing, the top one of the world 2019-2020 ranking and Olympic silver medalist Sergey Bida. One can say Sergey became an Olympian in utero, since his mother Elena Grishina, a two-time silver medalist at the World Championships, participated in the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 while pregnant with him. A hereditary fencer in the third generation, he was born and raised to a family of Olympic champions. Sergey's grandmother Valentina Rastvorova was an Olympic champion (Rome 1960), a multiple world champion, as well as his first guide to the amazing and exciting world of fencing.
Meet a living legend of the world's elite epee fencing, the top 1 of the worlds ranking 2019-2020 and Olympic silver medalist Sergey Bida.
SERGEY BIDA OLY
Co-founder, CEO, Head Coach
Fencing experience from 2005
Fencing experience from 2005
Here is a living legend of the world's elite epee fencing, the top one of the world 2019-2020 ranking and Olympic silver medalist Sergey Bida. One can say Sergey became an Olympian in utero, since his mother Elena Grishina, a two-time silver medalist at the World Championships, participated in the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 while pregnant with him. A hereditary fencer in the third generation, he was born and raised to a family of Olympic champions. Sergey's grandmother Valentina Rastvorova was an Olympic champion (Rome 1960), a multiple world champion, as well as his first guide to the amazing and exciting world of fencing.
Here is a living legend of the world's elite epee fencing, the top one of the world 2019-2020 ranking and Olympic silver medalist Sergey Bida.
Violetta Bida OLY
Co-founder, Coach, Sports Psychologist. Fencing experience from 2006
Violetta embarked on the path of professional sports at the age of four in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. That gave her the basic qualities necessary for an illustrious sports career - the will to win, the desire to achieve her goals, hard work, and discipline. Having tempered body and spirit alike in the gymnastic gym, she embraced epee fencing which was love at first sight. It was not easy for Violetta to transition to the new sport, but with the mentoring of the renowned Olympic coach Valery Zakharevich, she did succeed in trading the gymnastic ribbon and maces for a fencing blade and mask in the shortest possible time. After several years of hard training, she firmly established herself on the national team roster starting in 2010, and continued her stellar career until 2022, while simultaneously picking up two degrees - one in Psychology and one in Personnel Management.
Violetta embarked on the path of professional professional sports at the age of four at the academy of rhythmic gymnastics.
Violetta Bida OLY
Co-founder, Coach, Sports Psychologist. Fencing experience from 2006
Violetta embarked on the path of professional sports at the age of four in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. That gave her the basic qualities necessary for an illustrious sports career - the will to win, the desire to achieve her goals, hard work, and discipline. Having tempered body and spirit alike in the gymnastic gym, she embraced epee fencing which was love at first sight. It was not easy for Violetta to transition to the new sport, but with the mentoring of the renowned Olympic coach Valery Zakharevich, she did succeed in trading the gymnastic ribbon and maces for a fencing blade and mask in the shortest possible time. After several years of hard training, she firmly established herself on the national team roster starting in 2010, and continued her stellar career until 2022, while simultaneously picking up two degrees - one in Psychology and one in Personnel Management.
Violetta embarked on the path of professional sports at the age of four in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.
ZHANNA BIKKINA
Women’s Épée Head Coach, Stanford Team Assistant - Epee coach, Coaching Experience since 1997
If you’re looking for a coach who takes an athlete from day one and leads her to the international podium, that’s Zhanna. For more than 25 years, she has systematically grown champions—from first steps in the salle to national teams and European and World Championships. Today, Zhanna is the Women’s Épée Head Coach at Bida Fencing Academy and an assistant coach of the Stanford University team. Her athletes don’t just participate—they win at the biggest tournaments and compete confidently at the world level.
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014.
ZHANNA BIKKINA
Women’s Épée Head Coach, Stanford Team Assistant - Epee coach, Coaching Experience since 1997
If you’re looking for a coach who takes an athlete from day one and leads her to the international podium, that’s Zhanna. For more than 25 years, she has systematically grown champions—from first steps in the salle to national teams and European and World Championships. Today, Zhanna is the Women’s Épée Head Coach at Bida Fencing Academy and an assistant coach of the Stanford University team. Her athletes don’t just participate—they win at the biggest tournaments and compete confidently at the world level.
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014.
Diana Berbega
Coach, Customer Success Manager. Fencing experience from 2000
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014. Her career with the national team as an athlete emeritus stood in good stead for her, once she shifted her focus and discovered the opportunity to devote herself to teaching fencing to young students. Her diverse experience in modern pentathlon has given her unique knowledge in the domain of fencing (one of the five sports of modern pentathlon, along with running, swimming, shooting and equestrian). She is passionate about sharing her expertise in honing on the fundamentals of physical training and provides mental support to her students. As a mother, she believes that sensitivity and care can help young athletes develop their full potential. This is her goal.
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014.
Diana Berbega
Coach, Customer Success Manager. Fencing experience from 2000
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014. Her career with the national team as an athlete emeritus stood in good stead for her, once she shifted her focus and discovered the opportunity to devote herself to teaching fencing to young students. Her diverse experience in modern pentathlon has given her unique knowledge in the domain of fencing (one of the five sports of modern pentathlon, along with running, swimming, shooting and equestrian). She is passionate about sharing her expertise in honing on the fundamentals of physical training and provides mental support to her students. As a mother, she believes that sensitivity and care can help young athletes develop their full potential. This is her goal.
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014.
Join our team!
PRESS
Olympic fencers who fled Russia after invasion of Ukraine win support for
U.S. citizenship
U.S. citizenship
USA Today
An Olympian Couple Moved to California. Now They’re Wanted by Russia
Wall Street Journal
Anti-war Russian fencers target spot on US Olympic team
Deutsche Welle
Olympic Fencers Who Fled Russia After Invasion Seek U.S. Citizenship
The Moscow Times
01/10/2024
01/25/2024
01/02/2024
01/12/2024
PRESS
Olympic fencers who fled Russia after invasion of Ukraine win support for U.S. citizenship
USA Today
01/10/2024
An Olympian Couple Moved to California. Now They’re Wanted by Russia
Wall Street Journal
01/25/2024
Olympic Fencers Who Fled Russia After Invasion Seek U.S. Citizenship
The Moscow Times
01/12/2024
Fencing Facility
The Bida Fencing Academy is situated in a spacious, modern facility designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
Fencing Facility
The Bida Fencing Academy is situated in a spacious, modern facility designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
The Bida Foundation Fencing Club is situated in a spacious, modern facility designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
High ceilings and state-of-the-art lighting create an atmosphere of freedom and energy, perfectly suited for intense training sessions and thrilling bouts. The space is thoughtfully organized to ensure every athlete feels at ease and can unlock their full potential.
The hall is equipped with cutting-edge fencing technology and elite sports equipment, embodying the latest advancements in both functionality and style. From professional fencing strips to dedicated warm-up and recovery zones, every detail has been carefully planned to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.
For the convenience of athletes and their guests, the facility includes a cozy lounge area with a reception desk, where visitors can relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
This is a space where modernity and professionalism come together with meticulous attention to detail. Whether you are a beginner discovering the sport or an experienced Olympic-level athlete, you’ll find the perfect environment for training, relaxation, and achieving your highest sporting ambitions.
• Our Academy is equipped with 16 modern fencing strips designed to meet the highest standards of technology and safety. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’ll experience the best possible conditions for training and competition.
• Stay ahead of the game with our cutting-edge scoring technology. Our Academy offers both wired and wireless systems for recording hits, ensuring seamless and accurate performance tracking during practice and tournaments.
• After intense training, our recovery zone provides athletes with the best tools to rejuvenate. This includes world-class equipment such as Game Ready for cold and compression therapy and Therabody devices for muscle recovery and relaxation.
• We offer a wide range of equipment specifically for physical conditioning and rehabilitation. This ensures that athletes can build strength, recover safely, and maintain peak performance levels.
• Our Academy is outfitted with high-quality, professional-grade exercise machines to support fencing-specific strength and conditioning programs, helping athletes achieve their goals efficiently.
• Take a break in our cozy lounge area, designed for relaxation and community building. Enjoy a fully equipped mini-kitchen and a premium coffee station, making your time at the Academy as comfortable as it is productive.
• Stay ahead of the game with our cutting-edge scoring technology. Our Academy offers both wired and wireless systems for recording hits, ensuring seamless and accurate performance tracking during practice and tournaments.
• After intense training, our recovery zone provides athletes with the best tools to rejuvenate. This includes world-class equipment such as Game Ready for cold and compression therapy and Therabody devices for muscle recovery and relaxation.
• We offer a wide range of equipment specifically for physical conditioning and rehabilitation. This ensures that athletes can build strength, recover safely, and maintain peak performance levels.
• Our Academy is outfitted with high-quality, professional-grade exercise machines to support fencing-specific strength and conditioning programs, helping athletes achieve their goals efficiently.
• Take a break in our cozy lounge area, designed for relaxation and community building. Enjoy a fully equipped mini-kitchen and a premium coffee station, making your time at the Academy as comfortable as it is productive.
SERGEY BIDA OLY
Co-founder, CEO, Head Coach
Fencing experience from 2005
Here is a living legend of the world's elite epee fencing, the top one of the world 2019-2020 ranking and Olympic silver medalist Sergey Bida. One can say Sergey became an Olympian in utero, since his mother Elena Grishina, a two-time silver medalist at the World Championships, participated in the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992 while pregnant with him. A hereditary fencer in the third generation, he was born and raised to a family of Olympic champions. Sergey's grandmother Valentina Rastvorova was an Olympic champion (Rome 1960), a multiple world champion, as well as his first guide to the amazing and exciting world of fencing.
Having thoroughly mastered first-class techniques and fundamentals under the guidance of both his grandmother and his mother, Sergey began to train with one of the best epee coaches in the world - Alexander Glazunov. Seventy years of family experience, mentoring from an inhouse Olympian, his own hard work, yearning for victory coupled with his character strength, all propelled Sergey to the world elite level of epee fencing. Throughout his stellar career, he relentlessly and thoroughly studied all the subtleties of the science of fencing, getting a college degree as a fencing coach, along with another degree in sports psychology. Taking stock of his wealth of experience in fencing, he and his wife Violetta acted on his resolve to share his mastery and expertise with aspiring champions.
In keeping with that plan, Sergey and Violetta launched their first project - the Bida Foundation Online Fencing Training App, Sergey came to the United States with a mission to raise a new generation of American fencers who would compete on par with the best fencers from Italy, France, Hungary, and Japan.
Sergey is a sensitive and adaptive coach. His professionalism and meticulous attention to detail are embodied in effective strategies that help the athletes he trains. He has traversed the path from a rookie to the champion and knows the vector that can propel you from the grass-roots local fencing club to the Olympic podium.
In keeping with that plan, Sergey and Violetta launched their first project - the Bida Foundation Online Fencing Training App, Sergey came to the United States with a mission to raise a new generation of American fencers who would compete on par with the best fencers from Italy, France, Hungary, and Japan.
Sergey is a sensitive and adaptive coach. His professionalism and meticulous attention to detail are embodied in effective strategies that help the athletes he trains. He has traversed the path from a rookie to the champion and knows the vector that can propel you from the grass-roots local fencing club to the Olympic podium.
Awards and prizes
Silver medalist of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021
Winner of the 2019-2020 World Cup season Top 1 in the FIE world ranking
Silver medalist of the 2019 World Championship
Bronze medalist of the 2018 World Championship
3x European Champion 2017,2018,2019
Winner of the Doha Qatar 2020 Grand Prix
2x winner of the World Summer Universiade in Taipei 2017
Multiple winner and medalist of the World Cups and Grand Prix stages
European U23 Champion 2016
World and European Junior Champion 2012
10x Champion of Russia
7x Junior Champion of Russia
3x Cadet Champion of Russia
Russian national Team Member 2010-2022
Gold medal in the Senior Men’s Epee championship at the Summer Nationals 2023
Gold medal in Division 1 Men’s Epee NAC Dec 2023
Degree of a fencing coach with honors from the Russian University of Sports
Degree of a sports psychologist at the Institute of Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology
Violetta Bida OLY
Co-founder, Coach, Sports Psychologis. Fencing experience from 2006
Violetta embarked on the path of professional sports at the age of four in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. That gave her the basic qualities necessary for an illustrious sports career - the will to win, the desire to achieve her goals, hard work, and discipline. Having tempered body and spirit alike in the gymnastic gym, she embraced epee fencing which was love at first sight. It was not easy for Violetta to transition to the new sport, but with the mentoring of the renowned Olympic coach Valery Zakharevich, she did succeed in trading the gymnastic ribbon and maces for a fencing blade and mask in the shortest possible time.
After several years of hard training, she firmly established herself on the national team roster starting in 2010, and continued her stellar career until 2022, while simultaneously picking up two degrees - one in Psychology and one in Personnel Management. Credentials in sports psychology came in helpful as she solidified her spot on the national team, where she later got training with the team’s head coaches Alexander Glazunov and Yuri Merzlikin. Immersing herself in fencing with abandon, she found the results not late in coming. Throughout her career, she became an Olympian, taking part in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics; she also won 3 gold medals at the World Championships, 2 gold medals at the European Championships and collected a host of other international and national awards.
With profound knowledge and the track record of hands-on experience, Violetta is a very friendly, caring, and responsive coach. She went through gruelling sports schooling and knows the premium value of the psychological readiness of the athlete. She gives priority to the psychological aspects to help athletes prepare for competitions by a training regimen that emphasizes not just physicality, but also mental fortitude.
Violetta invites you to join our diverse and welcoming community if you want to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-transformation.Her goal and mission are to make the athlete's path to success as hassle-free and fast as possible to achieve their most cherished dreams and goals.
With profound knowledge and the track record of hands-on experience, Violetta is a very friendly, caring, and responsive coach. She went through gruelling sports schooling and knows the premium value of the psychological readiness of the athlete. She gives priority to the psychological aspects to help athletes prepare for competitions by a training regimen that emphasizes not just physicality, but also mental fortitude.
Violetta invites you to join our diverse and welcoming community if you want to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-transformation.Her goal and mission are to make the athlete's path to success as hassle-free and fast as possible to achieve their most cherished dreams and goals.
Awards and prizes
Participant of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021
Silver medalist of the 2019 World Championship
Silver medalist of the European Championship 2018
2x European Under-23 Champion 2016, 2017
2x European Junior Champion 2013,2014
3x World Junior Champion 2012,2013,2014
European Cadet Champion 2011
Multiple winner and medalist of the World Cups and Grand Prix stages
Russian national Team Member 2010-2022
Russian Cadet Champion 2010
Champion of Russia 2018
Master of Sports of the international class
Junior of the Year of Russia 2014
Degree of the fencing coach of the Olympic College of Samara (Russia)
Degree of sports psychologist with honors from Samara University
ZHANNA BIKKINA
Women’s Épée Head Coach, Stanford Team Assistant - Epee coach, Coaching Experience since 1997
Facts & Results
National team preparation. Under her guidance, 6 athletes have made national teams (many for multiple cycles): Cadet roster — 5 selections, Junior — 5, Senior — 1
Ella Minnullina. Top cadet in Europe for the 2018/2019 season; European Championships team silver
Leehi Machulsky. FIE World Junior No. 1 (2023/2024); Junior World Champion (team); World Championships bronze (individual and team)
Additionally: three-time Pan American champion (Juniors—individual & team; Seniors—team)
Junior World team titles. Zhanna’s athletes are three-time World Champions in junior team events
European & World medals. Her athletes have earned two World Championships bronzes (individual & team) and a European Championships team silver (cadets)
USA & international reputation. Dozens of US national medals across age categories; her methods and results are consistently validated at national-team level
Why Zhanna consistently develops champions:
- From day one. The first 3–6 months build the foundation—technique, balance, and clean hitting mechanics; next come speed, distance management, and attack/counter-attack tempo.
- Individual plan for a clear goal. Each fencer gets seasonal targets and KPIs in technique, tactics, S&C, and mental resilience—with monthly review and adjustment.
- Tactical intelligence. Video analysis of opponents, scenario training, tournament-specific prep, and mastery of score/time management.
- Psychology of winning. Confidence, focus, stress tolerance, and pre-start routines—developed systematically at every stage.
- Season periodization. Peaking for key events, recovery control, and injury-prevention across the competition calendar.
Mission: to give every athlete a real pathway—from the first lesson to the national team and the world podium. Zhanna doesn’t just teach fencing; she builds champions—with character, intelligence, and a taste for victory.
book lesson
Key Athletic Titles (as an athlete)
FIE World Cup, Seoul — 1st place (individual, 2006)
European Senior Championships — 2nd (individual) & 2nd (team) in 2005; 3rd (team) in 2006
World Youth/Junior: World Youth Championships silver (team, 2002); European Junior Championships bronze (individual) & silver (team) in 1999
Multiple Russian Championship titles and medals
Sportsman of the Year (2008)
Education & Qualifications
Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism (Moscow): Specialist in Physical Culture and Sport
Moscow Olympic Reserve Training School No. 1: Master of Sport; Teacher of Physical Culture and Sport
Master of Sport of International Class (2005)
Recent Results of Students in the U.S.
Emma Fung (USFA rating — A): Div1A — 1st place (USA Fencing Nationals & July Challenge 2024)
Vera Fung (rating — A): Nationals & July Challenge 2022 medalist
Skipper Cortright (rating — A): CEP Marathon Paris U17 — 2nd place (2025)
William Gordon (rating — C): Div3 — 2nd place
Amelia Ayupova: Div2 — 3rd place
SERGEI TIKHONOV
Foil Head Coach, Fencing experience from 1990
At Bida Fencing Academy, Sergei leads an elite-level foil program—guiding athletes from day one to finals at national championships and major international events. For beginners, he quickly establishes clean technique and confidence; for leaders, he provides a tactical edge, rapid decision-making, and mental resilience under pressure. Individual development plans, opponent video analysis, season periodization, and on-strip coaching turn preparation into results. We prepare athletes for competitions and selection events at the regional, national, continental, and world levels. The goal is unchanged: not participation, but podiums—wherever the event is held.
International Coaching Experience
- Assistant Senior Coach, Russian National Team (2008–2010).
- Head Coach, Jordan Fencing Federation (2010–2012)
- Head Coach (foil), UAE Fencing Federation (2012–2013)
- Head Coach, Kuwait (2014–2017)
- Olympic Trainer, Moskomsport (2017–2021)
Diana Berbega
Coach, Customer Success Manager. Fencing experience from 2000
A successful athlete in modern pentathlon in her recent past, Diana is a professional and sensitive coach with coaching experience from 2014. Her career with the national team as an athlete emeritus stood in good stead for her, once she shifted her focus and discovered the opportunity to devote herself to teaching fencing to young students. Her diverse experience in modern pentathlon has given her unique knowledge in the domain of fencing (one of the five sports of modern pentathlon, along with running, swimming, shooting and equestrian). She is passionate about sharing her expertise in honing on the fundamentals of physical training and provides mental support to her students. As a mother, she believes that sensitivity and care can help young athletes develop their full potential. This is her goal.
Diana combines coaching duties with those of the manager of the BFA for customer service and helps families and BFA fencers with organizational issues and logistics. She will be happy to help fencing beginners and professionals alike with everything pertaining to the busy life of a fencer in his/her pursuit of their aspirations and goals.
Awards and prizes
National Champion of Russia 2011, 2013
Master of Sports of Russia
Silver medalist of the Russian Championship 2012
Bronze medalist of the Russian Championship 2013
Multiple winner of the Russian Junior and Cadet Championships
Winner and prize-winner of international tournaments
Member of the Russian national modern pentathlon team 2005-2014