About Us
"It's not the will to win that matters—everyone has that.
It's the will to prepare to win that matters."
Long Island Fencing Center is located in the heart of Long Island at 203 Voice Road, Carle Place, NY. We’re just 15 minutes from Queens and 30 minutes from NYC, with easy access to major highways and LIRR trains.​ We’re surrounded by great shopping, dining, and lodging options — including Roosevelt Field Mall, Target, Macy’s, Costco, and major hotel chains. Everything is within a short walk or drive.​Our brand new 7,000 sq. ft. facility features 14 full-sized fencing strips and the LIFC Pro Shop. We welcome fencers of all ages and levels, and offer specialized training for high school athletes.
Our Staff
Yeisser Ramirez
Joseph Brajdic
Mika’il (Obi) Sankofa
Mina Yamanaka
Epee Head Coach
Sabre Coach
A native of Cuba, Yeisser Ramirez is a US Olympian who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. As a fencer, he won the Bronze medal at the 2016 Stockholm Satellite Tournament; finished 12 in the 2015 Pan America Championships; won the championship of the 2013 November North American Cup; and finished in the top 3 in 2013 and 2012 Division 1 Men's Epee National Championships. Yeisser, a member of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, started coaching in 2008 and has worked with athletes at all levels.
Joseph Brajdic has been active in the sport of fencing since the age of 14. A native of Long Island, New York, he has been a member of the Republic of Croatia fencing team since he was 15 and has competed in the Cadet, Junior, and Senior World Championships and European Championships. Joseph is currently still competing as a fencer with aspirations and dreams of qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. As a coach, he has served as an assistant coach at NY Fencers Club. In addition to coaching at Long Island Fencing Center (LIFC), Coach Brajdic also trains the Garden City High School Boys Varsity Fencing Team.
Epee Head Coach
Epee Assistant Coach
Mika'il Sankofa is a three-time US Olympian represented the United States at the 1984 L.A, the 1988 Seoul, and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. As a graduate of NYU, he became the first fencer to win four consecutive NCAA Individual Championships (‘84, ‘85, ‘86, ‘87). He was also the US National Sabre Champion in 1991-1992; and inductee of NYU Hall of Fame and US Fencing Hall of Fame. NBC also invited Obi to be the fencing analyst for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Obi is currently the head coach and owner of Thrust Fencing Academy in Mount Kisco, NY which uses the sport of fencing to enhance the lives of youth academically, socially and athletically.
Mina Yamanaka is a seasoned fencer with 15 years of experience in the sport, including a decorated collegiate career at Columbia University. She has earned titles as an NCAA All-American and First Team All-Ivy, including a gold medal at the 2021 Garrett Open, and silver medal at the 2024 Northeast Regional NCAA Qualifier. Joining the USA travel team at age 14, she has accumulated several podiums throughout her cadet and junior years on both the national and international circuit. Drawing from her personal journey balancing high-level athletics and academics, she now mentors student-athletes navigating the college admissions process. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by fencing families, Mina brings empathy, insight, and strategic support to each student she works with. Her goal is to help young athletes pursue their aspirations with confidence, both on and off the strip.
Our world-class coaching staff brings together over 75 years of combined fencing and coaching experience, with a proven track record at both national and international levels.​ We are proud to have two Olympians on staff, with a total of four Olympic appearances and multiple international medals across World Cups, Pan American Championships, and National events. Our coaches have trained athletes from beginners to elite competitors, including national champions and aspiring Olympians.
​
Beyond their competitive achievements, our coaches are passionate educators — many with backgrounds in psychology, social work, and youth development — and are committed to helping every student grow with confidence, discipline, and skill.​​