Pacific Index

Pacific fencer and co-founder of PUFF, Tenzin St. Clarie-King, shares his passion for fencing and the community built around the sport.

   The sharp, high-pitched clanging of metal blades moving back and forth as each opponent strikes one another is something most people don’t hear on the daily—or really ever in their lives. But for Pacific student Tenzin St. Claire-King, it is music to his ears. 

   Senior fencer Tenzin holds a national ranking in all three styles of fencing (saber, foil, epee), has a coaching certification from Global Fencing Masters, and has studied under the mentorship of world-renowned paralympic fencing coach, Justin Meehan. An impressive fencing resume. But even greater? His impact on Pacific fencing. 

   Tenzin is the co-founder of Pacific University’s Fencing Federation (PUFF), and before he even attended Pacific he knew he wanted to bring fencing here. “At the time [as a senior in high school], the only fencing club was in Beaverton, so we thought, ‘Why not bring one here?’” Tenzin shared. 

   And that’s what they did. 

   “It was a slow start at first and we had a coach from Lake Oswego come out, and after a while I thought maybe I should try coaching,” Tenzin explained with a smile. This way, more money could be spent on gear instead of guest coaches. That’s where Tenzin’s coaching career started.   “Now I coach people at national championships, junior Olympics, North American cups, and all able-bodied fencers and parafencers at all levels.” Tenzin wants to continue to create an environment where all people feel welcome to come hangout, learn more about fencing, and maybe even choose to compete!

   One of the competitions that PUFF has hosted is the “Walk and Roll” tournament. This tournament is an event in which both able-bodied fencers and parafencers compete. The tournament featured fencers from Pacific as well as other fencers from the local community. The event was recognized by USA Fencing and the winner of the tournament achieved a national E25 rating in saber fencing. 

   “Coaching has really allowed me to build community, and it’s really something special,” Tenzin stated. PUFF is the only parasport on campus for wheelchair and all paraathletes to participate in. “Just giving the community the opportunity to engage in a sport on games is something very important to me,” said Tenzin. This year alone, a group of freshmen came in who are wheelchair users and were able to start competing, and that is what drives Teznin even more to make an inclusive community. 

   When asked what fencing meant to him, Tenzin shared, “It’s everything. The best way to summarize it is, it is my preferred way to go out of life,” he shared with a serious chuckle. “I would die on the strip at a national championship at like 80 or 90 years old.” Fencing is something he wants to continue to share his love for his whole life. “I’m going to be coaching and competing for as long as I can.”

   After graduation from Pacific, Tenzin plans to continue his connection with PUFF as well as other teams around the area. “I am coaching some of our fencers right now to become coaches, but I will probably stick around for another year or so as well,” Tenzin stated. When not out on the strip competing himself, Tenzin plans on being a coach and guide for other fencers around him. Having such a close connection to PUFF as the co-founder, Tezin has loved to see the club grow more and more as time goes on. “Being able to provide fencing to everyone who wants to do it is an incredible feeling. We have days where we literally run out of gear for people to use, and that’s when I’m the happiest.” With an average of 10 to 12 fencers showing up to practice to compete and hangout is exactly what Tenzin wanted all along. 

   “I have taught beginners for five years, so I am not shocked when new people show up,” shared Tenzin. “If you like the idea of hitting people with metal sticks for fun then you will like it there. If you are unsure, come and try it out.” The growth of the community is something that is a testament to the drive and passion Tenzin has for the sport and those around him. Starting PUFF has been an amazing experience for both Pacific University and Tenzin himself. PUFF meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 pm in the Boxer Pause. “Come join us,” Tenzin concluded.