A Fighter Beyond the Strip
In the world of fencing, every duel is a battle of precision, speed, and resilience. For Mahsa Pourrahmati, however, the fight has always extended beyond the strip. Born in March 1992 in Tabriz, Iran, Mahsa shattered barriers in a country where women’s rights—especially in sports—are constantly challenged. Against all odds, she pursued fencing, a sport that demands both physical and mental strength, and carved her name in history as one of Iran’s most accomplished female athletes.
Mahsa Pourrahmati
Former Iranian National Team Fencer
& Fencing Coach at Dynamo Fencing Club
Breaking Barriers in Iranian Sport
For 16 years, Mahsa captained Iran’s national fencing team, a remarkable achievement in a system that often overlooks female athletes. She became the first Iranian woman to secure a historic medal at the Asian Championships, paving the way for future generations of female fencers. With 16 international medals from prestigious tournaments—including the Asian University Games, world club championships, and other international competitions—alongside nearly 40 national medals, Mahsa demonstrated that talent and determination can triumph even in the face of societal restrictions.
Yet, her success in Iran was never just about skill—it was about defying limitations imposed on women in every aspect of life.
“Fencing is about precision, discipline, and strength—all qualities that women in Iran are often discouraged from embracing,” Mahsa explains. “But I fought, not just for medals, but to prove that women belong in this sport and anywhere we choose to be.”
A Difficult Choice
Beyond her illustrious athletic career, Mahsa was a university professor in sports management and a respected national fencing coach while pursuing a Ph.D. in sports management. Her journey took a dramatic turn when she made the difficult decision to leave Iran in search of new opportunities. On November 11, 2023, she immigrated to Canada, leaving behind her top ranking in Iran to step into a future where she could continue her passion for fencing—free from the restrictions that once held her back.
“Fencing is about precision, discipline, and strength—all qualities that women in Iran are often discouraged from embracing,”
Mahsa explains.
Mahsa Porrrahmati inside Dynamo Fncing Club
Dynamo Fencing is one of the largest and most successful fencing clubs in Canada and North America, renowned for its elite, internationally acclaimed coaching staff.
A New Chapter with Dynamo Fencing
Mahsa’s next chapter unfolds at Dynamo Fencing—one of the largest and most successful fencing clubs in Canada and North America. The club boasts a team of over two dozen internationally acclaimed coaches, including six Olympic coaches and medalists. It has made history in Canadian fencing with notable achievements such as Eleanor Harvey’s Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Games and Nick Zhang becoming Team Canada’s youngest athlete at the same event. Dynamo Fencing trains the majority of Team Canada athletes, consistently earning over a hundred international medals each year, and in the past four years, more than a dozen athletes have been recruited by prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.
Renowned for its high-class training environment and relentless pursuit of excellence, Dynamo Fencing is always on the lookout for top-notch trainers. This commitment to excellence makes it the perfect home for Mahsa—widely recognized as one of the best fencing trainers in the world—whose expertise and passion further elevate the club’s prestigious reputation.
More Than a Sport—A Fight for Freedom
Mahsa’s story is one of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Having broken barriers in Iran and proven that women can compete at the highest levels despite systemic challenges, she now continues to inspire a new generation of fencers in Canada. Her commitment ensures that the battles she once fought will pave the way for young athletes who should never have to fight simply for the right to pursue their dreams.
“In Iran, I fought for my place in fencing. In Canada, I fight for the future of young girls who should never have to fight just to be seen.”
With every lesson she teaches and every young athlete she mentors, Mahsa Pourrahmati wields her blade not just for victory—but for freedom.
