Instructor & Coach Bios

James attended college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees. Currently, he works as a research technologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in a molecular genetics lab studying the genes involved in ADHD and phonological disorders.

James started fencing as a freshman in college at UNO, in the fall of 1990, and entered his first national competition in 1991 – the Junior Olympics in Kansas City. Over the next ten years or so James frequently fenced at the Lincoln Fencing Club and took lessons from the excellent coaches and attended the weekend fencing camps they hosted. In 1998 he went to Seattle, WA to fence in a tournament and tested for and received his director’s rating for both foil and epee. He only became truly committed to the sport however once he began teaching fencing through the Omaha Fencing club, and the Omaha Parks Department.

In 2006, James enrolled in the USFA Coaches College and completed his certification for Level 1 Epee. In 2007, he completed his certification for Level 1 Foil. He is certified at the Moniteur Level by the US Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA).

He enjoys teaching immensely. “All of the instructors in the Omaha Fencing Club want to provide quality instruction in a sport we truly enjoy. I hope that I can pass on my love for the sport while helping those who are interested in becoming serious competitors; that by keeping my mind as well as my ears open to new theories and coaching techniques, I will be able to play a part in raising the level of fencing in Omaha.”

Jason began fencing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Fencing Club in March of 2009. Studying under Patrick DeSimio and Alex Bucevicius he gained the competitive skills to win  novice foil and E&Under Epee divisions a few months later at the Cornhusker State Games. Jason has trained with the Omaha Fencing Club, Lincoln Fencing Club, and Hastings Fencing Club. In December of 2009 Jason became a certified moniteur through the United States Fencing Coaches Association.Jason wrestled and played football in high school. He competed in three Nebraska State Wrestling tournaments and won two state medals along with the Heartland Athletic Conference Championship and a District Championship both in 2008. He was selected to be on the Academic All-State team for wrestling in 2008. He won a Regents Scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Jason coached youth wrestling from the Spring of 2006 to 2008.

Alex Bucevicius attended college at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He currently works as a software developer in the Omaha area.Alex started fencing in early 2005 when his martial arts class decided to branch out and compete in the 2005 state games. After six months of training, he went on to place second in the Novice Foil competition. When he entered UNO as a freshman, he helped re-start the UNO Fencing Club along with martial arts team mate Tristan Holton.

In the summer of 2008, Alex joined the Omaha Fencing Club as a competitor and coach. After his first USFA competition, he was hooked and competed as often as time allowed. Alex also served as the head coach for the UNO Club from summer of 2008 until his graduation in Winter of 2009. He continues as an alumni to help bring the UNO team up to competitive levels. Alex is actively involved with all three regional clubs: Omaha Fencing Club (OFC), UNO Fencing Club (UNOFC) and the Lincoln Fencing Club (LFC) of Lincoln, NE.

In December 2009, Alex enrolled in the United States Fencing Coach’s Association (USFCA) moniteur exam and completed the examination for all three weapons (Moniteur d’Armes). He plans on enrolling in the USFA Coaches College as well for further training opportunities. He is still an active competitor inregional and national USFA sanctioned tournaments. He holds a B09 rating for Epee, D09 for Foil and an E09 for Saber.

“My aim is to encourage the growth of fencing in Omaha and surrounding communities. It would be amazing to be able to show all of Omaha how great and exciting fencing can be. I hope that we can soon be a recognized center for both recreational and competitive fencing opportunities.”