David began fencing in 1976 and competed in both Junior and Senior level events and was one of the top ranked junior foil fencers in the Country and Pacific Coast Section. David is a 4 time Junior Olympian and a Pacific Coast and Northern California Champion in Foil (by team) and fenced successfully on the North American Circuit before retiring due to injury.

As a competitive fencer (athlete) David was coached by Michael D'Asaro Sr. (Los Angeles) William O'Brien (San Francisco) World and Olympic Champions Ion Drimba (Romania) and Eduardo Mangiarotti (Italy) the later being the recipient of 39 Olympic and World Titles.

David currently runs the fencing program for the City of Piedmont and has taught fencing for: The Marin Fencing Academy, West Berkeley Fencing Club and The Mill Valley Parks and Recreation Department.

David is a Prévôt de Fleuret, certified by the United States Fencing Coaches Association, certified internationally by the Académie d'Armes Internationale and a professional member of U.S.A. Fencing. Since 2017 David regularly participates in the International Coaching Seminar with Ziemek Wojciechowski (10 times Olympic Coach for Great Britain) at the Leon Paul Fencing Center, London.