Okanagan Freestyle Fencing
Fencing Throughout The Okanagan
About Okanagan Freestyle Fencing
Okanagan Freestyle Fencing (OFF) was established in 2008. Head coach Matt Clarke decided to share his passion and love for the sport he spent years doing in Vernon, and spread it to others throughout the Okanagan. With over 25 years of experience in the sport, Coach Matt has built OFF into a thriving fencing club, with classes in Kelowna and Vernon.
OFF takes pride in teaching athletes of all types, whether you are looking for some fun recreation, want to become a high-level competitor, or something in between. Fencing is an exciting sport that improves cardio, strength, balance, and eye-hand coordination.
Fencing is often called physical chess, as it involves the same aspects of focus, strategy, and decision making. These mental aspects of the sport help our athletes to become confident and disciplined. A heavy emphasis on sportsmanship and respect for other athletes is another key factor of our philosophy.
OFF offers programs for athletes of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. We offer school PE class programs, private parties, regular scheduled fencing classes, and other opportunities to enjoy fencing.
OFF is a family-oriented, safe, fun, and passionate club. We have athletes who come from all over the Okanagan and from around the world. We welcome you to come in and see for yourself the passion and drive that makes this one of the fastest growing sports. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Our OFF Team
Matt Clarke
Head Coach
Matt Clarke has been a competitive fencer since 1997, when he started fencing with the Vernon Fencing Club. He has competed in many tournaments over the years, from the BC Winter Games to the Canada Cup and even a World Cup. His passion and love of the sport grew into a desire to coach, and in 2008 he created Okanagan Freestyle Fencing. Over the years, Matt Clarke has poured his heart and soul into the club and its students. He has developed some of the valley’s best fencers and some high performing fencers. Coach Matt continues to learn and develop new coaching techniques to help his students stay on top and in love with the sport he is so passionate about himself. He pushes the individuals who dedicate themselves to the sport of fencing and encourages anyone to give the sport a try.
Brendan Robertson
Coach
Brendan Robertson has been coaching fencing in the Okanagan since 1996, when he established the Vernon Fencing Club. Since then he has become the head coach of the School District 22 fencing club. In 2008 with the start of Okanagan Freestyle Fencing, Brendan came on board as an assistant coach and now also helps to train the high performance fencers in the club. Brendan has competed in local tournaments and has even represented Canada in World Cup and Grand Prix tournaments. His love for the sport and passion for teaching and coaching has made him a well-loved coach, helping produce amazing fencers.
