Specialties
Improve endurance. Increase alertness. Develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. The benefits of fencing are endless, and a three-time Olympian is more than eager to share his expertise with you. Owner Mika'il Sankofa has been involved with the sport for over 4 decades and has earned numerous awards and recognitions: Three-time Olympian, Hall Of Famer, the first Four-Time NCAA Individual Fencing Champion -- and more. By providing each student with personalized attention, Coach Sankofa will work meticulously to help boys and girls, from ages 6 to 17 years old, master the various techniques of sabre fencing in a fun, encouraging and safe environment. So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time fencer, we'll have fun learning a unique Olympic sport, build confidence, athleticism, focus, coordination and friendships with similar kids. So, contact us and let's get started; this is Thrust Fencing Academy "Fencing for the people!"
History
Established in 2012.
Thrust Fencing Academy is the place for students age 5-18 to learn the sport of fencing.
The head coach and owner of the academy is Three-Time Olympian Mika'il Sankofa. Coach Sankofa's philosophy toward working with kids includes: extra helpings of fun coupled with focus and athletic challenges that encourage students to do their best each class.
Coach Sankofa coaching experience spans over 20 years during which time he has produced National, Junior Olympic and World Cup Champions as well as putting six of his students on the United States Junior World Team!
Meet the Business Owner: Mika'il S.
Maestro Mika'il Sankofa was inducted into the U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame in 2005 and the NYU Hall of Fame in 1994. Mika'il is a three-time U.S. Olympian having competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. A graduate of New York University with a BA in Economics, Mika'il also served as NBC Fencing Analyst for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Fencing Championships in Antalya, Turkey.
A member of the 1987 and 1991 Pan-American Team, Mika'il is a two-time Pan American Team Silver Medalist and Individual Bronze Medalist. In addition, he captured the U.S. National championship in both 1991 and 1992 and is a ten-time National Team Sabre Champion. He's also a four-time NCAA champion - capturing the title '84, '85, '86, '87.
He is the only male fencer to ever win four NCAA individual championships - career record of 72-1.
In 2006, he received his Maestro degree with honors from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.