Meet Olympia’s Founder and Director, Daniel Hondor

“I’d feel bad for the coach that isn’t surpassed by its students!”

Daniel Hondor, the head coach and founder of Olympia, has been fencing his whole life. With more than 30 years of fencing experience, he’s not only a very knowledgeable technical trainer, but a great inspiration.

Before founding Olympia, Daniel has been a successful Epee head coach in Somerville, for over nine years. His students had been, since, a constant force in the regional, national and international fencing.

Fencing one on one with all of club’s members, big and small, he leads by example. His motto: “I’d feel bad for the coach that isn’t surpassed by its students!”, tells a lot about his approach to teach, which is:” train them to become better than yourself”.

When competing outside the club, Daniel is going to be by his students’ side, running from strip to strip to coach, encourage and offer support. No one is left behind, no one is put down, no matter what.

Daniel started his swordplay career with dreams of earning a spot among the Three Musketeers.

Daniel started his swordplay career with dreams of earning a spot among the Three Musketeers.

Enthralled by the adventures of the trio, 7-year-old Daniel picked up his first rapier, beginning a lifelong journey which continues today.

Member of the Romanian National Épée Team, 12 times in a row National Champion, multiple times winner of Balkanic Games (a fencing championship very popular in Europe) and finalist in World Cup Competitions during the 80’s, Daniel basically grew up with the épée in his hand.

Receiver of a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the National Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Bucharest, Romania, he has laid down the sword and took up the mantle of coach, teaching the Romanian Junior Team techniques he’d learned throughout his career.

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Games brought him to America, where he continues to share the art of fencing with students of all ages and experience levels.

Email Daniel using our contact form.