Legendary Saber Coach Zoran Tulum Joins TMFC for August Pre-Season Camps
TMFC Coaching Announcement
One of the most accomplished saber coaches in the United States will train TMFC athletes in New York City alongside Olympic silver medalist and TMFC founder Tim Morehouse.
Train with Coach Zoran Tulum and Tim Morehouse
TMFC Elite Pre-Season Saber Camps in NYC
Coach Tulum will lead two weeks of elite pre-season training alongside Olympic silver medalist and TMFC founder Tim Morehouse. After the camps, Coach Tulum will be away for four weeks for a previously scheduled commitment, then will return to coach at TMFC at select points during the season.
Week OneAugust 17–21, 2026
Week TwoAugust 24–28, 2026
Time12:00–4:00 p.m.
A limited number of 30-minute private lessons with Coach Tulum will also be available through TMFC Connect. If the initial schedule fills, we may add more times.
Book on TMFC ConnectHello from TMFC's College Coaches & Olympians Sleepaway Camp!
Our students just completed an incredible first three days of camp, with Ivy League coaches leading training sessions and sharing valuable guidance about the college process and long-term athlete development. We were thrilled to welcome Harvard head fencing coach Daria Schneider, Princeton assistant fencing coach Aleks “Olek” Ochocki, and Columbia head fencing coach Michael Aufrichtig.
TMFC students have trained with an extraordinary roster of elite coaches in every season of our club's history, and 2026–2027 will be no different. We have several exciting announcements ahead, including the addition of four new coaches. First, we are delighted to share that Coach Zoran Tulum will help lead our Elite Pre-Season Camps this August and will return to work with TMFC athletes at select points throughout the season.
About Coach Zoran Tulum
Zoran R. Tulum is one of the most accomplished saber coaches in the United States. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia—then part of Yugoslavia—he has spent more than four decades developing elite fencers, Olympians, NCAA champions, and national team members. He is widely respected for his technical expertise, disciplined coaching philosophy, and commitment to long-term athlete development.
Coach Tulum began fencing at age nine. At 19, he won the Yugoslav Junior National Championships in foil, épée, and saber, an extraordinary demonstration of versatility across all three weapons. He later earned a degree in architecture from the University of Belgrade before moving to the United States.
Collegiate Coaching
Served on Harvard University's coaching staff for two years in the 1980s, then led Stanford University as head coach from 1988 to 1999.
Zeta Fencing
Founder and former head coach of Massachusetts-based Zeta Fencing, which he built into one of the nation's leading saber programs.
Team USA
Named national coach for the U.S. men's saber program in 2014 and served as U.S. men's saber team coach at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, held in 2021.
International Impact
A contributor to high-performance development and international coach education, including FIE training camps.
Champions, Olympians, and a Lasting Legacy
Among Coach Tulum's best-known students is Eli Dershwitz, a world champion, multiple-time U.S. national champion, and Olympian at the Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Games. Dershwitz developed under Coach Tulum from childhood. Coach Tulum also coached two-time Olympian Nick Bravin, along with numerous NCAA All-Americans, Junior and Cadet World Team members, and U.S. national champions.
His influence reaches well beyond the athletes he has coached directly. Many successful coaches across the country trained under him or incorporated elements of his methodology into their own programs. His work has helped shape modern American men's saber and contributed to the United States' emergence as a consistent international contender.
Coach Tulum's approach emphasizes:
- Exceptional technical precision
- Strong footwork and distance control
- Tactical decision-making under pressure
- Long-term athlete development over short-term results
- Daily repetition and disciplined training habits
Former students and assistant coaches credit him with creating a culture of high expectations while never losing sight of the fundamentals that allow athletes to grow.
Coach Tulum's visit continues TMFC's tradition of bringing exceptional coaches from around the world to our students. As we begin our 11th season, every athlete in our competitive programs can continue to expect outstanding instruction, ambitious training, and the opportunity to learn from the very best. We cannot wait to welcome Coach Tulum to TMFC—and we look forward to sharing more coaching announcements soon.
