About
We love fencing!
For almost 30 Years, we have been dedicated to promoting the sport of fencing at both the competitive and recreational levels.
With two convenient locations in Newtown and Norwalk, we are Connecticut's oldest and most decorated fencing club. We are so honored to have been ranked the highest in Connecticut by National Fencing Club Rankings' list of "Best Fencing Clubs"! We know our success is all thanks to you, our community, for allowing us to serve you and the fencers in your family, and for that we thank you!
From our little Musketeers to our World Team Members, National Champions and many NCAA Recruits, we are dedicated to each individual that walks through our door. We offer personally tailored instruction for individuals and groups of all ages to ensure each student's learning, growth and fun in a nurturing environment.
- Meet Our Coaches -
Khaled Soliman
Foil Coach
Coach Khaled was a member of the Egyptian National Team for 17 years between 1973 and 1989, during which he earned numerous accolades. He represented his country in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, competing in both the Foil and Épée events. Khaled had students compete in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, making him the only coach in Connecticut to have coached Olympians. Khaled is a fencing MASTER in Foil and Épée. Khaled is also a retired pediatrician who has now dedicated his time to coaching. Coach Khaled is our head coach and with both his competitive and coaching background brings tremendous experience to the Candlewood family.
Khaled is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Marat Israelian
Epee Coach
Currently serving as Head Coach at Yale University, Marat brings a wealth of fencing experience to Candlewood. He has served as the head coach of the North Shore Fencing Club, St. Peter’s Prepatory High School, and Ashkelon Fencing Club in Israel. Marat’s students have been selected to the Israeli National team and been invited to both European Championships and World Championships.
Marat is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Jeremy Goun
Foil Coach
Jeremy Goun has been teaching fencing for over a decade. As a coach, he has trained under a multitude of Olympians and several National Team Coaches. Jeremy has taught fencing at Vassar College, Manhasset High School, and has been the head of the Connecticut Division of United States Fencing for more than five years. In addition to his extensive referee experience at both the national and collegiate level, a slue of Jeremy’s students have gone on to fence at top NCAA programs, with many earning fencing scholarships. He currently works with some of the top-ranked youth fencers in the nation.
Jeremy is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Matt Laudicina
Saber Coach
In addition to coaching saber at Candlewood Fencing Center, Matt Laudicina was head coach of the Wilton Fencing Academy as well as the Assistant Coach of Sacred Heart University. While at Sacred Heart, he led his squads to multiple conference championships and has qualified several fencers to the NCAA Individual Championships.
Matt is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Phil Brillant
Foil Coach
Coach Phil Brillant is a New Jersey native whose fencing career began at 14- years-old. A foil fencer, referee, and then career coach, Phil has been training top youth fencers for over a decade. Phil has had a number of Nationally ranked students train under him, from youth fencers to college-bound seniors and everything in between.
Phil is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
David Hite
Foil Coach
David Hite has been in the fencing community for nearly a decade as a competitor, referee, and coach. As a fencer, David trained at Candlewood Fencing Center for nearly 6 years before competing in the Junior Olympics and National Championships. He went on to Oswego State University where he coached the college team for 3 years. In addition to his extensive referee experience, David currently works with some of the top ranked youth fencers in the nation.
David is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association
Tom Ciccarone
Epee Coach
Tom Ciccarone brings over 40 years of experience to Candlewood Fencing Center. Tom started the Sacred Heart University Division 1 NCAA Team in 1995 and was assistant coach at Vassar College for 12 years. To date, Tom has trained a number of fencers to championships in National, Sectional, Divisional, NCAA, Junior Olympic and Modern Pentathlon events.
Tom is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association and is a Prevot d'Arms in saber, foil and epee.
Brad DeVito
Saber Coach
A Candlewood fencing alumni, Brad brings his five years of coaching experience, 10+ years of competitive fencing experience and two years of NCAA DIV 1 competition experience to Candlewood students. In addition to his three straight years of placing gold in the Connecticut High School State Championships, Brad has extensive experience both coaching and competing at local, regional, and national tournaments.
Brad is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association
Liam Smith
Foil Coach
Coach Liam has been fencing competitively and refereeing for over a decade. As a competitor he has seen success at the National and Collegiate level. While representing The Ohio State University, he had the leading win tally for the foil squad and secured multiple conference championships. Currently, Liam is using his experience to coach our members to success competing at the regional and national level.
Liam is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.