22/11/2025
I had the privilege of sitting down with Jesse Ndjeka — one of the best Épée fencers at Cleveland State University, a Psychology student, and a South African athlete rising through the higher echelons of the sport.
Jesse’s journey is an incredible example of what happens when an athlete undergoes Aggressive Change — physically, mentally, culturally, and academically.
Since moving to the USA in 2021, Jesse has been pushed into environments that demanded growth, adaptation, and resilience. He speaks openly about the cultural transition, the mental battles of high-performance fencing, and the support he found within the Cleveland State University team.
Jesse also trains alongside Olympic Champion Park Sang-young, and he opens the window into priceless insight into what CSU’s coaching system teaches young fencers aiming for the world stage.
We talk about the interplay of Psychology and Fencing, learning to manage the body, understanding mindset, and balancing elite sport with the future career he's preparing for.
Jesse’s goal?
A Top 16 world ranking… and LA 2028.
This young man is on a powerful path.
► The full interview is now on YouTube.
If you appreciate honesty, mindset, and real athletic growth, you’ll find value in this conversation.
In this powerful interview, we sit down with Jesse...
