About the Members
The club isn’t just a place to learn to fence. It is also a place to meet people and make friends. This page provides an introduction to some of the members of the club.
Our Founder - Duris De Jong [top]
Duris fenced for the Dutch team in both the 1928 and 1932 olympics. He founded the Conejo Fencing Club in 1976, and passed away in 1990. Those of us who had the honor to learn from the Maestro are better people for it. It is my belief that he would be very proud of the work and time that Phil has put into the club to continue his legacy.
If you would like to read more information about our founder, Duris De Jong, then you came to the right place.
Our Coach - Phil Hareff [top]
Phil has been the head coach of the Conejo Fencing Club since 1990. His dedication, time and enthusiasm are appreciated by everyone associated with the club. Phil continually improves his coaching style and techniques by attending the Coaches College at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
Assistant Coach - David Varon [top]
David has been a member of the Conejo Fencing Club since the early 1980's. He loves to teach, and is willing to expound on almost any subject related to fencing. Often while being quietly kibitzed by Dan. David has a lovely wife, Lynn and an aspiring sabre fencer for a son, Max.
Web Master/Sabre Fencer - Dan Lombardo [top]
Dan has been fencing for over 20 years, and has the mistaken impression that he's funny. His preferred weapon is sabre, but if he's bored he can be talked into fencing anything. Although he'll probably whine about it! Also, he has a somewhat disturbing love of Kevin Smith films.