Time-Honored Sport Emerges In Atlanta with One of the Country’s Most Dominant Clubs, Nellya Fencers, Fill Two of Three Spots at Junior Cadet World Championships in April
Described by many as a “game of physical chess,” fencing challenges both the mental and physical strength of an athlete. A part of the Olympic Games since 1896, fencing has long been relegated to the outskirts of mainstream American sporting activities. However, local Atlanta fencing club, Nellya Fencers, has been quietly developing champions for over 20 years and that industry secret is gaining “mainstream” attention.
Maestro Arkady Burdan of the Nellya Fencers Club is not new to the sport of fencing. As a two-time US Olympic coach, Maestro Burdan knows what it takes to develop a champion and is making Atlantan’s stand up and take notice. Maestro Burdan and Nellya Fencers Club have produced countless nationally ranked athletes, NCAA scholar athletes and three Olympic team members. Thanks in part to Burdan and his youth program, interest in the sport of fencing has reached an all-time high in the Atlanta area.
“Fencing requires a high degree of exercise, both physical and mental,” says Nellya Fencers Founder, Maestro Arkady Burdan. “I have had the pleasure and the honor of coaching Olympic medalists, nationally and internationally ranked athletes and have learned that a fencer’s greatest strength is their ability to focus.”
Burdan attributes the growing popularity of fencing, in part, to the increased potential for college scholarships and U.S. and international competitions and travel. In addition to athletic achievements, fencing also teaches the young athlete poise and self assurance, qualities that contribute to a child’s overall strength of character.
Sword Play to World Championships
Fencing is a sport that requires immense concentration and discipline, but many of the sport’s best athletes got their start while attending fun-filled summer camps. Nellya summer camp attendees have gone on to become NCAA Division 1 athletes, nationally ranked fencers and World Team members. The Nellya Fencers Club has a strong tradition of winning international competitions and will send two of their top athletes to compete in the Junior Cadet World Championships in April. Junior fencers Lena Johnson and Skyla Powers expect to continue their winning record during this month’s World Championships in Pore?, Croatia.
Nellya spokeswoman Rebecca Douville attributes the club’s success rates to skills first learned during camp. “Summer camp is a great way for kids to learn the basics of sabre fencing in a stress free environment,” Douville continues, “We never tire of watching youngsters gain courage and confidence through the sport. At Nellya, we strive to make champions in every endeavor.”
Nellya summer camps, which run from June 3 through August 4, provide fencers an excellent introduction to the sport, opportunity to advance their skill levels and learn new techniques to enhance their game. To learn more about the sport of fencing or summer camps, please visit www.nellyafencers.com.
About Nellya Fencers
Founded in 1990 by former US Olympic Coach, Maestro Arkady Burdan, Nellya Fencers Club has earned a reputation as one of the Top 5 fencing clubs in the United States. Under the personal direction of Maestro Burdan, Nellya Fencers have won titles in the Olympic Games, Junior Olympic Championships, World Championships, Pan American Championships and US National Championships. With the goal of training athletes to compete on a national stage, Nellya Fencers Club has produced champions in foil, epee and sabre for over 20 years. For more information about Nellya, please visit www.nellyafencers.com.
