Saw Mill is happy to introduce the sport of fencing to our membership beginning February 13, 2023 provided by Thrust Fencing Academy.

Thrust Fencing Academy is founded and directed by head coach Mika’il Sankofa, a three-time Olympian in fencing (’84, ’88, ’92), Pan American Games Silver & Bronze Medalist, the first Four-Time NCAA Individual fencing Champion, a Twelve-Time National Champion, and an inductee into the United States Fencing Hall Of Fame 2005.

Mika’il brings over twenty years of experience coaching and motivating youth, conducting demonstrations for schools and youth organizations as well as organizing camps and hosting large regional tournaments within the tri-state area. He was the NBC Olympic Fencing Analyst for the 2008 Olympic Games and has been a host and fencing analyst for various World Cup finals and domestic events throughout the country.

Mika’il holds an Honors Fencing Maestro’s Degree from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree from NYU. In addition to owning Thrust, Sankofa runs large regional tournaments in the tri-state area.

Coach Sankofa will be holding classes Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays in the Barre Studio at Saw Mill Club with both private lessons and classes being offered from 3:00-8:00pm weekdays and 1:00-6:00pm on Saturdays.
Class sizes will be limited to 14 with all equipment provided.

Classes will be offered to ages 6-9 and 10-13.
Please contact coach Sankofa at thrustfencingacademy1@gmail.com to schedule your first private lesson and classes.