About & Coaches
A multi-generational club.
Fencing, like any sport, requires a love to participate, and we love teaching those who wish to learn. The sport can be enjoyed at almost every age and level of mobility. We match the love and dedication our students bring, and we train fencers of all ages.
Valhalla is a small but growing salle, dedicated to our students. Our students have gone on to fence at colleges across the country.
Photo · the salle with fencers training
Photo · Coach Darlene
Founder & Head Coach
Darlene (Pratschler) Shellhouse
Valhalla Fencing is the brainchild of Darlene (Pratschler) Shellhouse. Darlene started fencing when she was 9 and has not stopped since, winning multiple national and international titles in both foil and epee, including the first ever Under 19 Women’s Epee Champion. She has taught at every level, from 9 year olds and up.
- USFCA accredited Maître d’Armes in all three weapons
- 4 time letter winner (1 Boys Team, 3 Girls Team)
- Boys Fencing All State Team ’82
- Girls Fencing All State Team ’83 ’84 ’85
- Girls Foil NJSIAA District Runner Up ’83
- Girls Foil NJSIAA District Champion ’84 ’85
- Girls Foil NJSIAA State Runner Up ’83 ’85
- Girls Foil NJSIAA State Champion ’84
- Presidential Scholar Athlete Award ’84
- US Junior National Champion ’86
- US U19 National Epee Champion ’86
- US Division 2 National Champion ’84
- US Division 2 National Champion ’87
- Member Junior Pan American Team ’84–’86
- Columbia University Varsity Fencer ’85–’89
- All Ivy League 2nd Team ’86
- All Ivy 1st Team ’87 ’89
- Ivy League Champion ’89
- Northeast Regional Foil Champion ’86
Our coaches
Meet the coaching team.
Photo · coach portrait
Rick Shellhouse
Coach
Come meet the coaches.
Our Saturday Newcomers Class is the best way to meet the coaches and see the facility.