Foil Coaches    

Misha Itkin, Head Foil Coach

A native of Lvov, Ukraine, Misha started competing at a very early age winning numerous fencing competitions.  With a Ph. D. in Physical Education and an outstanding talent for teaching, Misha started coaching early in his career earning various distinctions.  His skill for guiding gifted athletes continued when he came to the US.  He was the US national coach from 2002 to 2009, and has trained US national and world champions, as well as World Cup winners.

Igor Zapozdaev

A former member of the Russian National Team from 2006 to 2012, Igor was a two-time Russian Champion, a silver and bronze medalist of many Russian championships, as well as a Grand Prix and World Cup finalist.  He also received a bronze medal at Universiade in 2011.  Igor received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Lesgaft National State University in St. Petersburg.  Since joining LAIFC in 2013, Igor has trained many students who have won national and international tournaments and championships.  He is also a part of the coaching staff who trained 2017 Junior World Champion Nick Itkin.

Brando Messinese

Brando started fencing at Fides Livorno (Livorno, Italy) - one of the most legendary clubs in the World which has produced over a dozen Olympic Champions all the way since Stockholm 1912. He was a member of the Italian Junior Team and has reached finals of the Senior Satellite World Cups. Brando started coaching in 2006 and has worked with the Italian Cadet and Junior Teams which won numerous European & World Championships. Since 2013 he has been teaching in America - first at the Academy, then at Manhattan Fencing Center. His recent students have won National Medals and Titles, represented Team USA at Cadet World Cups, and have gone on to attend top rated universities.