Redefining Who
Fencing Belongs To
Rooted In History,
Driven By Innovation
Founded by Luis Patterson — a decorated international épée competitor — Valour exists to break the barriers that have kept this sport from reaching the communities that deserve it most, and to build a club where they are at home.
We honor the tradition of fencing while reimagining who gets to be part of it — and where the sport goes next in Canada.
Luis Patterson
Luis Patterson is one of the most accomplished épée fencers in the Caribbean and Pan American region. A Cuban-Jamaican athlete who represented Cuba for years before competing for Jamaica, he has spent a career at the very top of a sport dominated by a handful of elite nations.
He founded Valour to bring that experience to Burnaby, BC — and to build the first Black-owned fencing club in Canadian history on courage, equality and respect, where everyone belongs on the piste.
Beyond the club, Luis serves as an Athlete Mentor for Classroom Champions — an Olympic-founded non-profit that pairs world-class athletes with students across Canada and the USA to build resilience, goal-setting and character.
“To blend professional training with community growth — redefining how athletes train, compete, and represent themselves in the sport of fencing.”
We believe in stepping forward when it's hard. Every bout, every class, every conversation about equality in this sport takes courage.
Fencing has historically been an exclusive sport. We are here to change that. Everyone deserves access to world-class training.
For your opponent, your coach, your sport, and yourself. Respect is the foundation everything else is built on.