Hosts & Sponsors of Capitol Clash 2025
In 2025, the National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C. is partnering with the Center for International Sport Leadership and the Absolute Development and Exchange Foundation to host and sponsor its 13th annual tournament, which takes place at its usual venue, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, a Marriott Hotel, located in National Harbor, MD, adjacent to Washington, D.C.
We look forward to providing the best experience for competitors and attendees. Thank you for continuing to make the Capitol Clash the largest annual Super Youth Circuit and Regional Youth Circuit fencing tournament in the United States.
National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C., Inc.
The National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C. Inc. is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to developing personal character, academic achievement, and athletic excellence through the world of fencing.
Absolute Development and Exchange Foundation
The Absolute Development and Exchange Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and promoting USA’s role in Olympic fencing through a comprehensive commitment to providing resources and programs for schools and universities, key groups and individuals, and sports organizations.
Center for International Sport Leadership, Inc.
The Center for International Sport Leadership is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization formed to create a platform for the education and promotion of Olympic ideals.
Phil Sbarbaro
President of National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C.
Gary Lu
President of Absolute Development & Exchange Foundation
Sunil Sabharwal
Chairman of Center for International Sport Leadership
Capitol Clash Organizers
Brandon Rochelle
Tournament Director & Bout Committee Chair
Brandon is a graduate of John Hopkins University in biomedical engineering and computer science. He also has an M.B.A. in entrepreneurship and marketing from Northeastern University. In addition, Brandon is the tournament committee chair for USA Fencing, is an editor of the Athlete Handbook, and serves on the organization's Black Card Review Group. He has run over 300 regional, national, and international events as bout committee chair. Growing the sport via local and regional events is a particular passion of Brandon's, especially in Region 6 where the Capitol Clash is held each year.
Sasha Ryjik
Tournament Organizer & Head of Logistics
Sasha Ryjik is a graduate of Harvard University in government. He is an Ivy-League Champion, All-American, National Champion, North American Champion, World Cup Champion, and represented the U.S. in three World Championships. He was ranked first in the nation in sabre fencing for ten consecutive years. He is currently the owner of The Fencing School, in Mclean, Virginia, where he teaches fencing classes. Sasha is also a website developer and helps small businesses with professional online services. In addition, Sasha originally assisted at the first Clash in 2002 as a volunteer coach and is proud to continue to promote youth fencing. Sasha coordinates all aspects of the Capitol Clash tournament and is responsible for the tournament experience.
Doug Jones
Head Armorer
Doug Jones began as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army where he served as an Infantry Officer and later as an Acquisition Officer. After leaving active duty, Doug continued to work as Program Manager, Program Executive Officer, to Assistant Secretary level for both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. He is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in cultural geography, and a former U.S. Army Major. Doug began his fencing career as the father of a fencer and operated a non-profit fencing club for nine years. Doug has been an Armorer at over 200 tournaments that include World Cup, Grand Prix, North American Cup, collegiate, regional, and local tournaments. Doug is Head Armorer of the Capitol Clash and is responsible for the venue floor plan, strip operation, competitor equipment check, and Armory Clinic.
IMN Solutions
The Capitol Clash is also promoted with expertise and assistance of IMN Solutions, a global, full-service, association and event management company that partners with special interest communities and organizations of all kinds representing a broad range of industries from science, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, military and the arts.
THANK YOU
to all past and future Capitol Clash volunteers!
The Capitol Clash would not be able to run without the assistance of its many volunteers. Thank you to all family members and patrons of the sport who have volunteered. Your support for youth fencing makes the Capitol Clash a successful annual tournament.
