South Coast Fencing Center

Brenden Richard a certified Prevot in foil fencing and has taught courses at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.  Brenden was head coach for the UC, Irvine fencing program for 8 years before opening a private fencing center in 1999 to better serve Orange County and the surrounding areas. Since then, South Coast Fencing Center has grown to over 150 fencers and is active at the highest national level.  Brenden is also currently head coach of CSU Fullerton's fencing program.

Brenden began his training in southern California in 1991 before joining the UEA british collegiate team in 1993. Continuing to head the UC, Irvine program in the mid-90's, he later returned to Europe for additional trainining. In 2001, Brenden moved to Madrid, Spain, to train with their Olympic team for 5 months.

In addition to his time in Europe, Brenden is certified by the United States Coaches College (USCC) as a fencing instructor and as a Prevot level coach by the USFCA. He is a lifetime member of the United States Fencing Coaches Association.

Brenden is also a member of the United States Fencing Officials and was an active referee at the National level, having officiated in many North America Cups (NACs) and National Championships. He holds a national Referee rating in both foil and épée.

In addition to his coaching and refereeing responsibilities, Brenden is currently serving as the Regional Youth Coordinator for the United States Fencing Association (USFA) for southern California, Nevada and Hawaii. He is tasked with developing and overseeing regional youth competitions in the southwest.  In 2009, Brenden was asked by the USFA to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American High-Level Fencing Course.  Together with former U.S. National Coach Buckie Leach, Brenden taught the foil portion of the course, which brought over 80 national coaches together from across the western hemisphere.  This course was taught at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Brenden's coaches include Maestros Jesús Esperanza, Daniel Costin, Ed Richards, and Al Couturier.