Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Center

Originally reported for NCC News November 21, 2010.

Hundreds of years ago fencing was considered by many people to be an art form because it was used as a means of survival. According to Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Center, in modern days it’s better known as a strategic Olympic sport. Accomplished Bulgarian fencer Lubo Kalpektchiev came to America 12 years ago. He teaches fencing classes at Syracuse University and at the Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Center. He started Syracuse Musketeers eight years ago at the Polish American Club in Syracuse. He moved the business to the Shoppingtown Mall in DeWitt three years ago. At that time the amount of students he taught doubled in size and attracted various types of people who were interested in learning more about the different aspects of fencing.

Kalpektchiev explained that there are three different types of swords in fencing. A Foil sword that targets the torso, the Epée sword that targets the entire body and a Sabre sword used to target areas above the waist except for the hands. The swords are electric. They are plugged into a socket underneath the bell guard, which is the piece between the blade and the hilt used to protect the fencer’s hand. Kalpektchiev then added that a scoring box is used to detect each strike made by the fencer. When a fencer executes a strike the scoring box makes a loud buzzing sound and a light shines favoring the striker’s perspective side during the match. Kalpektchiev thinks of fencing like playing chess with muscles. He says, “ You can use your head and fence good…you have to think ahead when you fence with another person.” According to Kalpektcheiv a fencer must strike in a manner that his or her opponent did not expect with skill and strategy.

Skaneateles Senior High School Sophomore and Syracuse Musketeers Student Brendon Dickerson has been fencing for five years. Dickerson says, “It’s the only form of sword fighting I ever heard of.” He enjoys this sport for the competition and the athleticism. He adds, “It’s really kind of like demanding. You gotta try and perfect what your doing.” According to Dickerson there is a lot of sprinting, hand and eye coordination and footwork involved in fencing. He strives to apply the same focus while fencing as he would at school.

Kalpektchiev wants his students to obtain a sense of confidence through his classes at Syracuse Musketeers Fencing Center. Through fencing Kalpektchiev encourages his students to define their own individual character. Many who decide to take at stab at fencing realize this sport may not only give them a sense of accomplishment, but it may help sharpen their focus on life as well.