# @usafencing on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=J103qAsV4oM
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/38358715-usafencing-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/5e5be09725.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-15T11:00:39.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** USA Fencing (@USAFencing) — https://gondola.cc/USAFencing

## Caption

What happens when fencing arrives somewhere it’s never existed before—and it becomes more than a sport?

Forge Fencing Academy coaches Jen Oldham and Jeff Kallio share how an international coaching connection led them to Kenya, including supporting fencing development in the Kakuma refugee camp and across university communities. They break down the on-the-ground realities, the logistics of getting equipment there, the creativity of new fencers learning with limited resources, and how the experience changed the way they coach back home.

Read their blog post (full story + updates):
https://forgefencing.com/global-connections-forge-fencing-initiative-in-kenya-and-kakuma/

Guests
Jen Oldham — Forge Fencing Academy; Cleveland State
Jeff Kallio — Forge Fencing Academy

Chapters
00:00 Why fencing can be structure and belonging
01:12 How the Kenya initiative started
03:24 What fencing looked like in Kenya (blank slate in Kakuma)
06:27 The gear challenge: donations, suitcases, logistics
08:26 Teaching and connecting on the ground
10:05 Staying connected after returning (WhatsApp + video feedback)
11:26 Homemade training weapons and creative solutions
12:53 Culture shock and perspective shift
15:43 Trust-building and touring Kakuma
24:14 How the fencing community can help
27:15 Doing this as a couple
30:58 Lessons brought back to coaching and life

Quotable
“They don’t get down when there’s an obstacle—they get excited and creative.” — Jeff Kallio

About First to 15
Hosted by Bryan Wendell, First to 15 brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, referees, and leaders shaping fencing today. Listen by searching First to 15 USA Fencing on your favorite podcast app.

Hashtags
#Fencing #GlobalSport #Kenya #Kakuma #RefugeeSports #ForgeFencing #USAFencing #Coaching #OlympicSolidarity

## Stats

- **Views:** 49
- **Likes:** 6
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

coaching, kakuma, forgefencing, olympicsolidarity, usafencing, globalsport, kenya, fencing, refugeesports

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