Emma Lopez-Hor, Founder

My name is Emma, but my friends call me Mei Xian! I’m a student at Aptos Middle School, a place where I see kids from every background and walk of life. However, when I step onto the fencing piste at a tournament or my club, Golden State Fencing Academy, that diversity often disappears. I am here to change that!

Currently, fencing in San Francisco is primarily a high school sport, but I believe kids should be exposed to it at a much younger age. At tournaments, I’ve noticed a significant lack of representation—there are very few Hispanic kids or fencers of color who look like me. Since Aptos has a wonderful tradition of starting new clubs each year, I want to bring this Olympic sport to our school. My goal is to show my peers that fencing isn’t just for a specific group; it’s a sport for everyone in our community. My longer term objective is grow The Parry Riposte Project beyond Aptos, to other middle schools in the Bay Area!

I love drawing and hanging out with my friends and family. When I am

not on the fencing strip, you can find in the swimming pool or playing video games!

Be Limitless!

Karla Lopez, Supporting Cast Member

As a proud San Francisco resident and mother of three, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting my children’s passions from the sidelines. Currently, I am School Psychologist with San Francisco Unified School District.

My daughter Mei Xian’s journey into fencing has been an eye-opener for our family; while I’m still learning the intricacies of the sport, I am its biggest advocate. There is something truly special about watching your kids practice and compete, and I am honored to support them—and the broader Bay Area youth community—as we work to make this incredible sport accessible to everyone.

Nicholas Lopez-Hor, Supporting Cast Member

Hi, I’m Nicholas! I’m an elementary schooler who wears a lot of hats: budding fencer, kitchen scientist, and official equipment manager.

I practically grew up at the fencing club, thanks to my older sister who dragged me along when I was 7. Now, I’m totally hooked! When I'm not on the strip or helping her organize gear for the club, you can find me skiing down mountains, crushing laps in the pool, conducting (mostly safe) chemistry experiments in the kitchen, or hanging out at the local YMCA.