Six fencers.
A foundation.
Founded in June of 1997 by six people with various levels of fencing knowledge, the Des Moines Fencing Club was soon joined by other experienced fencers and many enthusiastic students. In 1999, the DMFC achieved Iowa non-profit organization status.
The public is always welcome to come and observe and participate in DMFC practices.
We learn from each other, and teach each other whatever we can.
Members of the DMFC compete in local and out-of-state tournaments and perform demonstrations across the Des Moines metro for schools, community groups, and other organizations curious about the sport.
These outreach efforts are run entirely by volunteers who donate their time — sometimes their vacation days — to spread the word about fencing. Our typical 60-minute classes are led by USFA-certified coaches and built around warm-ups, footwork, blade work, and bouting.
- Iowa 504(a) non-profit organization
- Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
- Member club of the United States Fencing Association (USFA)
The volunteers behind the strip.
DMFC is governed by a volunteer board drawn from members and parents. They handle non-profit filings, scheduling, equipment, and the four annual tournaments the club hosts.
- Pat KennedyPresident
- Jonathan FreedVice President
- Jem Gong-BrownTreasurer
- Allison OrgeronSecretary
- Mercedes JanecekAt-Large
- Joe LarsonTournament Specialist
- Jeremy OrgeronAt-Large
- Kyle HappAt-Large