Way of the Sword Fencing Academy Shines at Ralph Spinella Escrime d’Or Tournament

Julia Balch, 14, and Catherine Massa, 15, are two of the six Way of the Sword Fencing Academy students who competed in last Sunday’s Ralph Spinella Escrime d’Or Tournament. All six medaled in their respective events, and Catherine earned her USFA rating of E2016, which Julia earned just two months before in March at the Turtle Race in NYC. Both girls have been fencing with Coach Michael Martin at Ridgefield’s Way of the Sword Fencing Academy for three years now, growing in skill from beginners to nationally rated fencers as the school simultaneously grew, and continues to grow, in size and scope.

In the Women’s Senior Foil, Catherine won the event along with her E2016 rating. In E & Under Senior Women’s Foil, Julia earned the Silver while Anya Nardone, 15, earned a Bronze. In E & Under Men’s Senior Foil, Jonathan Goodman, 14, earned a Bronze medal. In E & Under Senior Men’s Saber, Adam Barnett, 15, earned a Bronze medal, and in Senior Men’s Saber, Ian Koh, 15, earned a Bronze medal. The winners hail from Ridgefield, Redding, and North Salem, NY.

Way of the Sword is a USFA sanctioned club dedicated to promoting both recreational and Olympic fencing. Our offerings include personal fencing instruction for children and adults while teaching skills for honorable living in today’s fast-paced and often challenging culture. It’s unique curriculum is designed to bring pupils to a deep understanding of fencing both as a sport and art form as well as of themselves as responsible, reflective, and well-meaning citizens. Way of the Sword uses traditional training methods, creative facilitation practices, and character education to develop strong athletes and individuals.

For more information, contact info@wayofthesword.org and www.wayofthesword.org.

Photo by Leticia Nardone

Clockwise from back left: Adam Barnett, Jonathan Goodman, Julia Balch, Ian Koh, Anya Nardone, Catherine Massa, Laura Goodman