USA Fencing Names NextShark an Official Media Partner

Published July 29, 2026

USA Fencing named NextShark an Official Media Partner in a role described as integral but non-exclusive, effective Aug. 1.

What the partnership covers

Helping distribute the next season of "The Fencing Show"
Producing social storytelling
Promoting Try Fencing
Providing creative direction and audience guidance

NextShark will also partner on the Creator Showdown, running Sept. 21-23 in New York City.

The stated goals

Two aims were named: telling the stories of AAPI fencers, and giving newcomers an easy first step into the sport.

The numbers behind it

Per USA Fencing, 46% of its members identify as AAPI, and 40% of the U.S. fencing team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were AAPI — the highest AAPI share among U.S. sports, including at the NCAA level.

Athletes named as examples

The announcement pointed to Lee Kiefer OLY, Jaelyn Liu, Jataya Taylor PLY and Bryce Louie as examples of the athletes whose stories the partnership is meant to reach.

Why "an easy first step" is the harder half

Media partnerships are usually pitched around visibility, but the second goal is the one clubs feel. Someone who watches a fencing segment and wants to try it needs a nearby club, a class that accepts beginners, and equipment they do not have to buy first. Try Fencing exists to shorten that path.

Starting saber in Bethesda

Our beginner saber classes assume no experience and provide loaner equipment. Most new fencers spend their first sessions on footwork, distance and simple blade actions before bouting.

Saber Nation is a saber-only club at 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD 20816. See our saber fencing classes in Bethesda or contact us.

Training options

Continue with USA Fencing Creator Showdown or More USA Fencing news or Saber fencing classes in Bethesda, MD.