Russian-trained fencing master Marc Ganych reveals the unique explosive beauty of this noble Olympic sport during an introductory class for local fitness enthusiasts.
“In fencing, weight and strength mean nothing. The fencer need only know when, how and where he must thrust his blade.”
—Aldo Nadi
The mystique of fencing is born out of our collective memory of famous dueling scenes on the big screen and in historical novels. It is, at its essence, a complicated sport, requiring intense concentration, precision, discipline, and rapid fire reflexes. The swashbuckling scenes of the classic film,‘The Three Musketeers’ inspired many, including Marc Ganych, to want to try fencing. Now celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Angelina Jolie, David Beckham, Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Madonna are known to be passionate about the sport.
On a July afternoon, in the light-filled studio of the Mayflower Grace Spa, a group were about to take their very first fencing class. Marc makes a strong impression, compact, commanding and fervent about the sport. The participants included ; Pamela Riess, owner of PBR Executive Search, Susanna Salk, design author; Owen Curtin, NYC based United Airlines pilot; Tal Fagin who leads a local fitness fusion class and Michelle Gorra who works at Aspetuck Animal Hospital in Washington, CT. Though all are accomplished in other sports and fit, they stand together a little nervously, unsure of what will be expected of them during the hour. The first and primary emphasis is on footwork. Marc explains that in Russia students will spend two years solely focused on their footwork without any equipment. After a warm up to loosen the joints and rigorous stretches, the class is led through a series of offensive and defensive movements that include lunging, leaping and other explosive jumps.
Curtin, who played hockey while attending Shepaug Valley High School, made an interesting observation about the two sports, “Like hockey, fencing requires your hands and feet to be doing completely different things all the while communicating with each other. The fluidity of the footwork in both sports is key. Without it you won’t be in any position to defend or attack.”
Marc is a ‘Fencing Master’ of the former USSR, and studied in the Fencing School of Olympic Reserve ‘Spartacus’ from 1979 to 1987. He is an expert in foil fencing and in 1985 received an award for ‘Outstanding Fencing Technique.’ He was a gold medalist of the first junior games in 1984 and bronze medalist of the national tournament ‘Blades of Ala-Tau in 1985. He authored the e-book Powerful Fencing Footwork. After attending four years of college, he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education. While in Military Service and College in the USSR, and later in the United States, he trained extensively in martial arts and self-defense as well as Sambo, Brazilian Jujitsu, kickboxing and Military System hand-to-hand combat. In 1992 he was certified as an instructor in Tai-Chi and Qigong by the members of Beijing Academy of Wu-Shu.
The class continued with a demonstration of the En Garde position as well as a series of short and long attacks. There are three types of fencing: foil, épée, and sabre—this was a class using the foil. He gave all the participants a glove for the dueling arm and a foil to learn more actual fencing techniques. One of the highlights was teaching the Flèche, when both feet are off the ground, which Marc termed ‘the home run for the kill’ but appeared to be a very balletic movement.
All seemed to enjoy the new experience. Susanna Salk, enthused “It is important to try new things in life. To experience a new form of exercise that’s also clearly an art form—it is especially invigorating.”
Finally there was time for some one-on-one practice bouts with jackets and masks where the possibility of touching i.e. (stabbing) their fellow students seem to excite the group. Curtin, one of the most enthusiastic combatants, was fired up, “I was surprised at how hard a workout it is. The movements seem explosive yet graceful. Once the gear is on and the duel begins, the adrenaline kicks in, it’s an absolute blast.” Some parrying, thrusting and laughing ensued as all seemed to enjoy the physicality of the mock attacks.
Former Olympic fencer Suzanne Paxton is a Washington resident and was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Fencing Team. Paxton was a top national and internationally ranked fencer in women’s foil individual and team competition. She was honored as an Olympic torchbearer in Amfilochia, Greece, helping to carry the torch towards the Athens Olympic Games. She was excited to hear of such a great coach in the Washington area and encourages anyone to take up fencing at any level or age. “It is fun, great exercise, and a fabulous way to challenge yourself.” Suzanne and Marc plan to meet up soon to discuss their experiences in the sport.
Marc looks forward to more venues in the future where he could produce highly technical fencers and champions. After 8 years at one of the best fencing schools in the world, he feels it would be a shame not to pass on his knowledge of the fundamentals and proper fencing technique. He adds, “I love to build a student step-by-step and to share my experience and knowledge.”
Fencing Master Marc Ganych teaches individuals, group classes and is also available to create programs for clubs, schools and colleges from the beginner to the Olympic level athlete.
For more information, or to schedule a class, contact Marc Ganych at: [email protected] or at 860.803.3929.
