Charles Johnson’s journey in the sport of fencing began in 1984 at the age of 34. Over the past 40 years, he has worn many hats in the fencing world: competitor, instructor, organizer, and leader.

During his competitive years, Charles participated in numerous local and national tournaments, establishing himself as a dedicated athlete. He also played key roles within the Central Florida Division of the U.S. Fencing Association, serving as chair, secretary, and treasurer at various points throughout his career.

In 1989, Charles lent his expertise to the Junior Olympics in Orlando, followed by the National Championships in 1990. For the past three decades, he has devoted himself to teaching and coaching, helping to develop some of Florida’s top fencers.

In 2016, Charles took on a new challenge, joining the U.S. Fencing Association’s Para Fencing Program. This journey led him to South Korea in 2019, where he accompanied the U.S. team to the World Para Fencing Championships. One of his proudest achievements was coaching Terry Hayes, who represented the U.S. in the Tokyo Paralympics.

Please join me in welcoming today’s guest, the remarkable Charles Johnson!

Southwest Florida Fencing Academy