My love of fencing began over 30 years ago as a boy growing up in Forest Hills, NY.  I began fencing as a freshman in high school and by age 17, I was ranked 9th in the nation (not bad for a short Jewish boy from Queens). I studied at Salle Santelli. It was there that I received my formal education and was imprinted with the legacy of 500 years of classical fencing knowledge. I also fenced at the NY Fencing Club. During that time I was honored to watch Peter Westbrook train for the 1984 Summer Olympics; he went on to win the bronze. Peter was a role model for "work ethic." I recall the one and only time he spoke to me. He asked me, "How are your grades in school?" I said "fine," but it wasn't true. In reality, I struggled terribly in school. At the time, I didn’t realize that I’d been given a gift and a responsibility to help keep this ancient art alive and thriving.

I've been blessed with the opportunity to give back and I've chosen to do it right by building a state-of-the-art facility, hiring talented coaches, and executing a long-term strategic plan with student succession.

From an early age, fencing provided me the opportunity to hone many skills beyond the blade. These skills continue to serve me daily in my personal and professional life. As was done for me, I'd like to use fencing as a vehicle to draw out the best of what each student has to offer, not only in sport but equally, in character.