Learn more about Mid-South through words from our extended community of fencers from young to old.
When you strip all the specific reasons away, fencers choose a club that gives them some form of personal actualization or fulfillment. That might be results, good friends, or an interesting workout. A fencing program retains people because it allows an avenue for this self-actualization.
“My son switching from recreational to competitive fencing a year ago and has really benefited from what Mid-South has to offer a developing competitive fencer. The tournaments are very well-organized, yet always retain a comfortable and welcoming feel. There are always more experienced members around to help the new fencers sort out gear, find equipment, and explain what to do. The level of sportsmanship displayed by Mid-South fencers is exemplary and shows that fencers can be both supportive and competitive. My son has especially benefited from individual lessons with Jeff Kallio. While Jeff is an excellent technical instructor when it comes to blade work and footwork, he also helps the developing members learn some of the mental skills of competitive fencing. Over the past two years, my son has found a sport he is passionate about, and he couldn’t ask for a better place to learn it.”
Kim Manturuk
Y-14 Fencing Parent
“Mid-South — Put simply, fencing is life. Mid-South Fencing club teaches the sport of fencing, and through it, essential life lessons; and one could not ask for better teachers. Though the environment is hospitable for those training hard with their eyes on the prize, those looking for a social outlet or simply some exercise will find that it more than meets their needs. The club encourages fencers to use their time wisely, fencing hard and learning as best they can, but this is not to say it isn’t ‘fun’. Fun may be the only word capable of describing my fencing life, and having started out as someone who used fencing as a social outlet, then as exercise, and finally as a true competition and learning experience, I’ve found that the coaches are more than willing to help me through every phase, and that my club members are supportive and friendly. I’ve very rarely made it through a class without a good laugh, and at the same time very rarely made it through one without a feeling of accomplishment or determination. The group lessons encourage bonding, and the club really is one big family, as cheesy as it may sound. As per the ‘parent’s of this family’, here’s the low down from my perspective on the coaches.”
Joey Lew, Durham, NC
2010 Southeast Section U19 Women’s Sabre Champion
“I started fencing at Mid-South a month after turning 30. Indeed, fencing is a sport for people of all ages, not just kids. I have found the adult crew at MSFC has great cameraderie. We all support and encourage each other in our development as adult fencers. Stephen Pashby has done a phenomenal job coaching the adult saber classes. He provides an environment where each fencer is challenged to excel while recognizing that we are busy adults with lots of commitments outside of club. I started taking private lessons at the beginning of this year, and it has really complemented what I learn in the group lessons. I am proud to say that in addition to myself, my husband and father-in-law also fence at Mid-South. Fencing is truly a family affair for us, and we are thrilled to have Mid-South as our ‘fencing home.’”
Suzanne Minton
Senior Fencer
“Coaches — Coaching should be driven by passion for the sport. It goes without saying Matt and Jen are fueled to coach by their passion and love for the sport of fencing. At Mid-South Fencers Club, the enthusiasm is contagious. Having a Masters Degree in psychology, Jen is the only coach in the country who can couple physical technique and mental tactics into one lesson. It is a practice that only few coaches in the world are capable of. The resources at Mid-South Fencers club are enough to take any fencer to the highest level of competition.
Fencers — The attitude of the Mid-South FC members is extremely hospitable and friendly, yet at the same time, highly competitive. The friendship extends past the fencers to the families associated with the club, and makes for a truly unique environment. It is in every sense of the word, a club. Fencers enter smiling and leave smiling and sweaty. For being such a young establishment, Mid-South FC is ridden with talent. People of all ages come every day, eager to better themselves and learn more about the sport of fencing. The energy inside the club is unmatched anywhere else in the country. The combination of competitiveness on the strip and camaraderie off the strip should be a template for fencing clubs anywhere.
Gym — The friendly yet competitive attitude of the Mid-South Fencers Club is well accented by the newly built fencing gym, with wood floors and open space, adding a warm and welcoming environment. The new space provides an establishment where fencers and athletes of all levels can come and enjoy the sport of fencing. The ambiance and friendly nature of the club makes it difficult to leave at the end of practice. There were times where we would continue to fence two hours past the allotted time, because we were having so much fun that no one even looked at the clock! Everything that is good about the sport of fencing can be found at the Mid-South Fencers Club.”
Patrick Ghattas, South Bend, IN
Former Member of US National Sabre Team,
“After nearly twenty years away from fencing, I wasn’t sure if I could pick it up again. I really appreciate the opportunity to take lessons from Matt. He has a unique insight into my progress, having trained under the same collegiate coach. Rather than just tell me I am doing things wrong, he knows why I am doing things the way I do, and helps me understand how the game has changed, and what I need to do differently.”
David Minton, Durham, NC
Veteran Fencer
Former Member of UNC Fencing Team
“Thanks for running an excellent organization and being a great mentor for my daughter, she grows week by week.”
Lewis C., Durham, NC
“[Y]ou have had a significant and wonderful impact on [our kids] lives. You have made a big difference in their lives and continue to influence who they are in a beautiful way. Club is a huge deal for them; they feel like they belong to something very special, and the people there are very special to them — friends, who together work hard, compete, and play hard.
I have no doubt that your coaching style and your personalities make Club so much more than just a place to practice fencing. The [kids] want to be there to get better, they want to be there because they enjoy it, and they want to be there because of the people who are there. As a parent watching the wonderful influence you have on my children, I am very thankful they have this in their lives. Thank you.”
Durham, NC
Follow us!