Matvei Vellman: The North Phoenix Fencer Who Turned a Passion for Swords Into Competitive Success
- Blair Ballin
- Community Spotlights
- Winner #5
Who Is Matvei Vellman? Meet the North Phoenix Fencer Competing in Two Olympic Disciplines
Matvei Vellman is a North Phoenix resident whose dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts led him into competitive Olympic fencing. Today, he competes in both épée and foil while continuing his lifelong passion for music composition, proving that discipline, curiosity, and creativity often go hand in hand.
Some people spend their free time learning a new hobby.
Matvei Vellman spends his mastering swords.
Not just one style.
Multiple disciplines.
And when he isn’t training on the fencing strip, he’s writing and composing original music.
It’s an unexpected combination—but one that perfectly reflects his lifelong pursuit of mastering whatever captures his curiosity.
A Passion for Learning Through Discipline
Matvei has never been someone to settle for simply learning the basics.
If something interests him, he wants to understand it completely.
That mindset first led him into traditional Japanese martial arts during the late 2000s, where he trained under Shihan Rudy Crosswell.
Over the years, he earned kyus in several disciplines, including:
- Kobudo
- Karate
- Shinkendo
- Toyama Ryu Iaido
These arts emphasized far more than physical technique.
They taught patience.
Precision.
Control.
Respect.
Every movement carried purpose, and every training session reinforced the value of continuous improvement.
Finding a New Challenge
When Shihan Crosswell passed away and the dojo eventually closed, Matvei faced a difficult decision.
He could stop training.
Or he could begin something entirely new.
Searching for another challenge eventually led him to the Phoenix Falcons Fencing Club.
After attending a single introductory lesson, he was hooked.
That first class eventually grew into more than six years of competitive fencing.
From Traditional Sword Arts to Olympic Fencing
Although traditional Japanese swordsmanship and Olympic fencing look very different, Matvei quickly discovered they shared many of the same foundations.
Success depends on:
- Timing
- Precision
- Footwork
- Focus
- Reading an opponent’s intentions
He initially focused on épée, where every valid touch scores and strategy revolves around accuracy and patience.
A few years later, he expanded into foil, learning an entirely different set of rules and tactical approaches.
Competing in two weapons requires adapting to different styles while continually refining technique—a challenge Matvei embraced.
Continuing to Grow as a Competitor
Years of consistent practice eventually led to tournament competition.
One of his most notable performances came during the 2026 Chris Marchant Memorial Tournament, where he earned victories against several accomplished fencers while competing in both foil and épée.
Performing well in one weapon requires dedication.
Doing so in two different disciplines demonstrates years of disciplined training and a willingness to keep improving.
It’s another example of Matvei’s approach to learning.
He doesn’t simply participate.
He commits.
More Than a Sport
Many people are surprised to learn that fencing has been part of every modern Olympic Games since the very beginning.
Yet despite its rich history, it’s often overlooked compared to other Olympic sports.
For Matvei, fencing represents much more than competition.
It’s a sport built on strategy, discipline, athleticism, and split-second decision-making.
Every match presents a new puzzle to solve.
That constant challenge is one of the reasons he continues returning to the strip year after year.
A Second Creative Passion
Martial arts and fencing aren’t Matvei’s only creative outlets.
Music has played an equally important role throughout his life.
After beginning with piano and guitar during high school, he soon found himself wanting to create music rather than simply perform someone else’s work.
By the age of fifteen, he had already begun composing original pieces.
As his interest grew, he expanded into bass guitar and formally studied:
- Music theory
- Composition
- Music history
- Jazz performance
His education at Scottsdale Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, and Mesa Community College helped deepen both his technical knowledge and creative voice.
Whether working with music or martial arts, Matvei approaches both with the same philosophy:
Learn the fundamentals.
Understand them deeply.
Then create something uniquely your own.
Why This Matters to North Phoenix
One of the things that makes North Phoenix special is the incredible variety of people who call it home.
- Artists.
- Athletes.
- Scientists.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Musicians.
- Competitors.
Matvei represents that diversity perfectly.
His story reminds us that remarkable talents often exist quietly within our own neighborhoods.
Whether he’s competing with a fencing sword or composing music, his dedication to lifelong learning reflects the curiosity and perseverance that strengthen every community.
A Neighbor Who Never Stops Learning
Some people spend a lifetime searching for something they’re passionate about.
Matvei simply keeps finding new ways to grow.
From traditional Japanese martial arts to Olympic fencing and original music composition, his journey has been defined by discipline, curiosity, and the desire to continually improve.
It’s a reminder that mastery isn’t about reaching a destination.
It’s about never stopping the pursuit.
Living North Phoenix Community Spotlight
Every neighborhood has people with incredible stories.
If you know someone making a difference through their career, talents, volunteer work, or unique life experiences, we’d love to hear about them.
Their story could become the next Living North Phoenix Community Spotlight.