AFM Team

Head Coach

Carmine Carpenito

Meet Carmine Carpenito – AFM’s Head Coach, a maestro in the art of fencing with a track record that speaks volumes. Having honed his coaching prowess globally, Carmine’s students have not only conquered the fencing strip but have emerged as well-rounded individuals.

Carmine’s coaching journey boasts a parade of achievements. His students have clinched numerous medals and championship titles in prestigious competitions such as the World Cups, the European Championships, and the World Championships. Valerio Cuomo and Simone Esposito are among the epeeists he guided to Gold at both the World Cup and World Championships. His coaching extends to elite video analysis at the Olympic level, contributing to the success of the Italian National Team.

Armed with a Master’s degree in Management and Organization of High-Level Sports from the University of the Forno in Rome, Carmine brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to the coaching arena.

As the AFM Head Coach, Carmine oversees all aspects of the training process, ensuring that every fencer receives top-notch coaching tailored to their individual needs. Under his guidance, several AFM students have earned national medals, secured spots on the national travel team, and attained the highest ratings in USA Fencing.

Sergey Bida

Welcome to the world of elite fencing with AFM! We’re thrilled to introduce Sergey Bida, a distinguished athlete and a valuable addition to our coaching team.

Sergey Bida, a top-ranked epee fencer globally, brings over two decades of exceptional experience to AFM. Achieving the prestigious title of World #1 Ranked Epee fencer and winning the overall FIE World Cup in 2020, Sergey’s illustrious career includes an Olympic Silver Medal from Tokyo 2021, a World Championship Individual Silver medal in 2019, and numerous titles and medals from World Cups, European Championships, and World Championships. Sergey is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in the world of fencing.

Beyond his personal triumphs, Sergey is a compassionate and adaptive coach. His professionalism and meticulous attention to detail translate into effective strategies that elevate the athletes he mentors. Sergey’s commitment to mentorship, developed through his own fencing journey, enriches the training experience for fencers at AFM.

In recent accomplishments, Sergey led the AFM team to win Gold in the Senior Men’s Epee championship at the Summer Nationals in Phoenix (July 2023) and secured an Individual Gold medal in Division 1 Men’s Epee NAC in Richmond, Virginia (Dec 2023).

Sergey’s expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment undoubtedly inspire the next generation of fencing champions!

Zhanna Bikknia

Meet Zhanna Bikkina, our esteemed Women’s Fencing Coach at AFM since 2019. An award-winning coach with a proven track record, Zhanna has been instrumental in guiding her students to success in national and international tournaments.

Dedicated to women’s fencing, Zhanna works with girls of all ages at AFM, inspiring them to achieve their best on and off the strip. Her coaching expertise is evident in the remarkable achievements of her fencers, who have not only secured multiple national and international titles but have also become valued members of the US national team, representing the USA at prestigious events such as World Cups and World Championships.

Zhanna’s impact goes beyond the realm of competitive success. Her students have earned coveted spots in top US universities, including Ivy League colleges, showcasing her commitment to their holistic development. With a wealth of coaching experience, Zhanna brings joy to the fencing experience, creating a positive and encouraging environment for her students.

Recognized with multiple awards, including Masters of Sport and medals in international tournaments, Zhanna stands as a testament to excellence in coaching. Her own achievement of the Master of Sport award further underscores her dedication and proficiency as both a coach and a former competitive fencer.

Experience the winning combination of passion, expertise, and joy under Zhanna Bikkina’s guidance as she continues to lead aspiring fencers to new heights at AFM.

Gregory Bremel

Meet Coach Gregory Bremel, an Olympian and two-time Junior World Champion, European Champion, and Senior World Championship Bronze medalist in Modern Pentathlon. With a stellar career as a top athlete, Coach Gregory brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the AFM coaching team.

A former Head Coach of Modern Pentathlon for the Russian National team, Coach Gregory’s leadership led the team to remarkable achievements, including Gold in the Rio Olympic Games and three Individual World Championships. His strategic coaching approach resulted in numerous top World medals for the Russian National team.

In his role as the leading coach at our Campbell facility, Coach Gregory is enthusiastic, trustworthy, and dedicated to developing fencers from the grassroots level to the world stage. His extensive knowledge and proven track record in Modern Pentathlon make him an invaluable asset to the AFM coaching staff.

Experience coaching excellence with Coach Gregory Bremel, where passion meets proficiency, and aspiring fencers are guided to reach their full potential under his expert guidance.

Alexander Maximovich

Meet Coach Alexander Maximovich, a true fencing maestro with a coaching journey that spans decades and continents. Embarking on his coaching career in 1976, Coach Alexander has left an indelible mark on the world of fencing, shaping national teams in Kazakhstan, the USSR, and Turkey before making his mark in the United States in 2000.

Upon his arrival at AFM more than a decade ago, Coach Alexander took on the monumental task of creating the Epee program, tirelessly developing it in a region where Epee was virtually non-existent. His commitment and dedication bore fruit as he cultivated multiple national medalists, guided fencers to membership in the US National travel team, and witnessed his students earning the highest USA ratings and rankings. Many of his proteges have been recruited into top-tier US colleges, showcasing the enduring impact of his coaching legacy.

Coach Alexander Maximovich continues to enrich the AFM coaching team with his wealth of knowledge, acumen, and an unwavering commitment to the development of epee fencing in the San Francisco Bay Area. His enduring influence remains a cornerstone of AFM’s journey in the world of fencing.

Natasha Maximovich

Enter the world of Coach Natasha Maximovich, a passionate force in the realm of fencing, particularly in the development of young talents. Since the inception of AFM, Coach Natasha has played a pivotal role in shaping the early journeys of aspiring fencers, making an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless children.

Natasha’s true passion lies in the art of fostering the love for fencing in children. As a beginner coach, she has been instrumental in introducing young minds to the sport, serving as the spark that ignites their passion. Many children owe their journey into fencing to Natasha, who has the remarkable ability to inspire, believe in, and instill confidence in her students.

Her impact extends beyond the training strips; Natasha is a mentor and guide, nurturing the aspirations of young fencers to become not only skilled athletes but also confident individuals. Her work with young children at AFM is a testament to her commitment to building a foundation for the future of fencing.

Coach Natasha Maximovich continues to be a driving force in creating an environment where children not only learn the art of fencing but also discover the joy and confidence that come with it. Her dedication to the development of young talents adds a vibrant and essential dimension to the AFM coaching team.

Vivien Maya

Introducing Coach Vivien Maya, a dynamic addition to our coaching team who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for fostering the love of fencing. In his short time with us, Coach Vivien has quickly become a favorite among students, thanks to his warm and open attitude.

On the fencing front, Coach Vivien was a part of the French national Junior team in epee from 2005 to 2008 and continued as a key member of the Senior national French team until 2013. His impressive athletic journey includes notable achievements such as securing podium finishes in the France championship in various categories, clinching first place in the World Cup in Tourcoing, and achieving numerous top positions in both individual and team competitions.

As a coach, Vivien has an extensive background that spans France’s Saint-Gratien and Vincennes fencing clubs and later in Russia. Notably, he has coached wheelchair fencer Iiulia Maya since 2014, achieving remarkable success in European Championships, World Championships, and the Paralympic Games.

On a personal level, Coach Vivien is not just a mentor but also an active participant in the fencing world. His dedication is evident as he engages with the competitive class, sparring with them and contributing to the vibrant fencing community at AFM. We’re thrilled to have Coach Vivien on board, and his passion for fencing is contagious!

Slava Novoselov

Introducing Coach Slava Novoselov, a seasoned figure in the fencing world with a notable background as a Junior Team World Champion for the Russian Team. Beyond his achievements on the international stage, Coach Slava brings valuable coaching skills to AFM’s epee program.

Hailing from Russia, Coach Slava’s coaching journey gained significant traction during his time at Alliance Fencing Academy in Houston, TX, where he honed his coaching expertise. Since joining AFM in 2021, he has been an essential part of the epee coaching team, adding his expertise and positive demeanor to the training environment.

Coach Slava’s impact at AFM extends beyond the strips. Known for his friendly and approachable nature, he brings a touch of humor and warmth to the training sessions, creating an atmosphere conducive to growth and camaraderie. His coaching style fosters a supportive environment for fencers to develop both their skills and a passion for the sport.

While contributing to the success of his students, Coach Slava collaborates with Sergey Bida, playing a crucial role in helping Sergey pursue his Olympic dream. Slava’s students have achieved remarkable milestones, winning multiple national medals and earning top rankings and ratings in the USA. Several of his fencers have secured coveted spots on the U.S. National travel team, proudly representing the country at prestigious World Cup events. This not only highlights Coach Slava’s coaching prowess but also the tangible achievements of his dedicated and talented students.

Sergei Rassolko

Meet Coach Sergei Rassolko, a passionate and dedicated member of our coaching team. His commitment to fencing and the development of his students is truly unparalleled. Sergei’s warm personality and sense of responsibility create an environment where fencers not only learn but also thrive.

In the world of fencing, Sergei comes from a distinguished dynasty. His father, Vladimir Rassolko, a seven-time USSR Champion and four-time European Champion, transitioned from a successful fencing career to coaching, leading the national team of Belarus to top international rankings. Sergei, following in his father’s footsteps, achieved podium placements in World Cups and World Championships, earning the title of Olympian in Sydney in 2000.

Sergei’s coaching journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He served as the national coach of Taiwan, guiding cadet and junior fencers to become Champions of Asia. Later, at Heidenheim HSB in Germany, one of the world’s premier fencing clubs, he coached top fencers like Jon Willis from Britain and Rolf Nickel from Chile to international acclaim.

At AFM, Sergei continues to foster excellence in his students. His fencers consistently rise to become top-ranked athletes in their respective age categories in the United States. The level of rigor and expertise that Coach Rassolko brings to AFM enriches the training experience for our fencers, and we’re thrilled to have him share his knowledge and passion with our students.

Irina Chirashnya

CEO and co-founder

With her husband Igor in 2013, they started with a dream to make a unique fencing academy that not only provides an exceptional fencing education to children but also is a place where they can meet their lifelong mentors, a place where they learn life values, such as teamwork, camaraderie, compassion, community and a place which they call home for all their time. Irina has dedicated herself to creating a nurturing environment for young fencers to thrive. With a Master’s degree in Literature and Languages and rich experience working as a Human Resources manager, Irina brings a profound understanding of human dynamics and ethics to her role. Before venturing into fencing education, she honed her skills in marketing and human resources, gaining valuable insights into building strong organizational structures and fostering meaningful connections within communities. Herself a mom of 4 fencers, she knows fencing parenting from the inside, dealing with triumphs, disappointments, growth, and plateau, and she knows what does it take to raise an athlete. Her multifaceted background and deep commitment to fostering holistic development represent a significant advantage for the AFM family.

Igor Chirashnya

COO and co-founder

A longtime, passionate advocate for fencing, Igor Chirashnya has promoted the sport on platforms and in venues across the United States for nearly a decade. A former competitive fencer, Igor co-founded the Academy of Fencing Masters(AFM) with his wife Irina in 2013, envisioning it as a unique place for children’s fencing education. He holds a Mathematics and Computer Science degree and boasts over 25 years of managerial and entrepreneurial experience in the technology sector. Under Irina’s and Igor’s guidance, AFM has flourished into one of the largest fencing clubs in the country, hosting Regional and Super Regional tournaments and earning accolades such as being four times named a Club of Excellence by USA Fencing. Igor is also the author of the Academy of Fencing Masters Blog, a top online resource for the fencing community.

Julia Machulsky

Customer Success Manager

Julia Machulsky: In her youth, Julia was a competitive fencer herself participating in all kinds of competitions, and trained in one of the famous fencing clubs in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for many years. Julia Machulsky is a well-experienced fencing mom, taking her kids to a fencing journey from the first steps to the International Podiums. Her daughter, Leehi Machulsky, is one of the world and national top fencers in Juniors, having won all possible titles and medals in every age category. Starting to fence at age 8 at AFM, Leehi became multiple times member of the USA National Team and represented the USA in World Cups, Panamerican Championships, and World Championships. Julia is an AFM Customer Success Manager, and she is the go-to person for every AFM family who has any questions related to their child’s fencing journey or parental advice. She understands what it takes to raise an athlete, what approach a family needs to take, how to cater to children who want to succeed both athletically and academically, and what it takes to get recruited to top colleges as a fencer. Before AFM, Julia worked as a software and quality engineer for technology companies, and she possesses a degree in computer science.