Bucks County Academy of Fencing
Get a taste of fencing this winter.
By Karen Appold
Fencing isn’t just a way that men resolved disputes centuries ago. Thanks to Maestro Mark Holbrow, fencing has been alive and flourishing in the Bucks County area for almost 30 years. In fact, the school that Holbrow founded, Bucks County Academy of Fencing (BCAF), has had competitive results on the national and international level.
BCAF, which originally opened in New Hope in 1981, moved to a much larger facility in Lambertville in 2003. It’s the largest privately owned fencing facility on the east coast.
Originally, Holbrow planned to pursue law after graduating from Dickinson College. However, after Holbrow and his roommate tried out some fencing equipment, his focus changed. He started a fencing club at the college, which was well received, and realized that there might be some business potential in it.
“I was attracted to its rich history and I guess I watched one too many Errol Flynn movies at an impressionable age,” Holbrow says. “I was fascinated by the thought of outwitting someone with the blade.”
Holbrow went on to study under the head fencing master at Princeton University for seven years. For the last three of those years, he was apprentice and assistant coach. From there, he received his fencing master’s certification from the United States Fencing Coaches Association and the Academie D’armes Internationale.
In 1986, Holbrow was a member of the U.S. team that competed in the World Fencing Masters Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He was the only member of the five-man team to qualify and compete in all three weapons (the foil, epee and sabre) at the championship. He was on the three-man team who took the bronze medal for the U.S. in sabre.
Fencing involves a lot of speed, coordination and explosive leg strength. “There is no physical prototype for what makes a great fencer,” Holbrow says. Fencing appeals to men and women of all ages.
Five-week “taste of fencing” beginner courses start again in January. The Academy likes to emphasize the social side of fencing. Monday nights feature wine and cheese and small mini tournaments.
Holbrow notes that serious injuries are unusual. “Most injuries are pulled muscles, bumps and bruises.” Weapons are designed with safety precautions and are scored electronically in competition.
Holbrow says the physical demands of fencing are similar to tennis. “It’s an intense one-on-one sport that requires technical proficiency,” he says.
Lisa Martini, co-owner and operations manager, started as a fencing beginner in 1996. “She is the driving force behind the Academy,” Holbrow adds.
BCAF is located at 287 South Main Street in Lambertville. For more information, call (215) 862-6112 or visit www.bcaf.com.
Karen Appold is a Royersford-based freelance writer (www.WriteNowServices.com).
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