Coaches & Mentors
Our coaching staff combines an Olympic competitor, collegiate leadership at UC San Diego, and a shared philosophy of patient, character-first athletic development.
Juan Ignacio Calderón
Juan Ignacio Calderón earned his 3-Weapons Master diploma from the Spanish Master Academy and the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA). He serves as Head Coach of NCAA Varsity Fencing at UC San Diego, where he was named MPSF Fencing Head Coach of the Year in 2024 and 2026, and received the UC San Diego Excellence in Coaching Award in 2022 and 2025. An internationally licensed FIE Referee, Juan works with youth, teen, and adult fencers from foundational footwork to national competition.
- Three-Weapons Fencing Master (Spanish Master Academy & USFCA)
- Head Coach, UC San Diego Varsity Fencing (NCAA)
- MPSF Fencing Head Coach of the Year (2024 & 2026)
- UC San Diego Excellence in Coaching Award (2022 & 2025)
- International FIE Licensed Referee
- Foil and Épée technical and tactical development
Saul Mendoza
Saul Mendoza represented Bolivia at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, competing in both foil and épée. A three-time South American Champion and Bolivian national team member, Saul co-founded San Diego Fencing Center in 2005 alongside his wife Victoria. His coaching emphasizes classical footwork precision, blade discipline, and patient encouragement for students of all ages.
- 1984 Olympian (Los Angeles Summer Games, Foil & Épée)
- Three-time South American Fencing Champion
- Co-Founder of San Diego Fencing Center (2005)
- Classical footwork mechanics and blade fundamentals
Diego Calderón
Diego Calderón is a competitive épée fencer who has trained with coaches in Spain, France, and Italy. At SDFC, he coaches youth, teen, and adult fencers with a focus on distance control, blade preparation, and practical bout decision-making.
- Competitive Épée Fencer (International training background)
- Trained in fencing academies across Spain, France, and Italy
- Adult Fit Fencing and youth bout preparation
Pablo Calderón
Pablo Calderón brings dynamic energy and competitive focus to SDFC’s youth and beginner cohorts. With extensive experience in both foil and épée, Pablo specializes in early athletic movement, stance agility, and building confidence in young athletes.
- Competitive Foil & Épée Fencer
- Youth coordination drills and foundational footwork
- Patient, positive youth mentorship