MEET SOPHIA

From an 8-year-old Star Wars fan to a passionate fencer on a mission to make this incredible sport accessible to everyone.

MY JOURNEY

I'm Sophia Mirza, and I started fencing when I was 8 years old. I had no idea what fencing was until I was signed up for a weeklong summer camp. Being a Star Wars fan, I was promised a sport with light sabers- and while there were no light-swords, I never put my weapon down since then!

I have practiced at my club nearly everyday over the last several years. The daily practice is now a part of my physical and mental health routine.

Being part of the varsity team at school has also allowed me to forge bonds with students across grade levels and this has inspired me to increase participation in this sport.

I am aware that this sport does have barriers to entry, and I hope to address some of them in my community to allow more students of all backgrounds to experience this sport and hopefully find a lifelong passion in it.

I have made so many friends through fencing, and while we compete, we are also like family, rooting for each other!

Fencing is the perfect blend of strategy, grace and physical strength. It truly is physical chess.

AT FENCING IS THE WAY, WE USE FENCING NOT ONLY TO TEACH ATHLETIC SKILL, BUT TO UNLOCK EACH STUDENT’S POTENTIAL — IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN LIFE. FENCING SHARPENS FOCUS, BUILDS EMOTIONAL CONTROL, AND NURTURES STRATEGIC THINKING — ALL OF WHICH HELP STUDENTS THRIVE ACADEMICALLY AND SOCIALLY.

FUN FACTS ABOUT FENCING

Discover some amazing things about this incredible sport

  • OLYMPIC LEGACY

    Fencing is one of the five sports featured in every modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. (The other four were Track and Field, Gymnastics, Swimming, and Cycling.)

  • WHITE TRANDITION

    Why fencers wear all white: In the early days, duels were fought with real weapons, so bloodstains were more visible on white clothing. This practice continued into the modern sport when a touch was recorded with the ink at the tip of the weapon.

  • LIGHTNING FAST

    The old saying goes: "the tip of the fencing weapon is the second fastest moving object in sport, the first being the marksman's bullet"

  • ANCIENT SPORT

    Fencing has been around for ages! In 1190 B.C., a painting on an Egyptian temple featured a fencing match. The first known fencing club was established in Belgium, about 250 years before the first known football club.

  • WOMAN'S PIONEER

    Fencing was one of the first sports to introduce women's competitions at the Olympic level. From its start in 1896, women's fencing was added in 1924.

  • THE FORCE AWAKENS

    The official federation (FIE) once considered adding "lightsaber" fencing as a demonstration sport, inspired by the Star Wars franchise, but the proposal was not accepted. However, it's not over yet – in 2019, the French Fencing Federation officially recognized the sport. May the force be with them.

"Fencing isn't just a sport; it's a journey that combines strategy, athleticism, and art. With every thrust and parry, you're not only competing but also engaging in a dance of minds and bodies. It challenges you to think quickly, act decisively, and remain graceful under pressure."

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fencer, every bout brings an opportunity to learn and grow. Through practice, you'll develop agility, coordination, and confidence. The friendships made within the fencing community add to the joy of the experience, transforming competition into camaraderie.

Fencing is the Way!

- Sophia Mirza