COLUMBUS, OH – Fencing, an ancient Olympic sport that requires lightning speed, fast reflexes, timing and tactics, is returning in its second year at Arnold Fitness Weekend.

The Arnold Fencing Classic, takes place Saturday, March 5, 8am-7 pm, at the Hyatt Regency Franklin room, and Sunday, March 6  8 am-4 pm, in the Grand Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, includes a tournament, exposition, and seven competitive events featuring foil, epee and sabre.

World-class fencers will compete in all three weapons to demonstrate the beauty of this sport of ages along with the youth protégé’s of the nation who will cross their swords in the fight for the champion title, said Julia Richey, event co-director and head coach/owner at the Royal Arts Fencing Academy, New Albany, OH.  Richey was a member of the Russian National Team for 14 years.

With the foil, the fencer scores by “poking” the opponent on the torso. The epee is heavier than the foil, and the fencer scores by poking the opponent anywhere on the body or mask.  The sabre is a cutting and point-touch weapon; the fencer scores by hitting the opponent anywhere above the belt.

World caliber-fencers expected to attend are Mariel Zagunis, U.S. Olympic Fencing Team Member and Gold Medalist at Athens (Women’s Saber); U.S. Olympic Team Member Ivan Lee (Men’s Saber); Peter Westbrook, of New York, six-time Olympian; Donald Anthony, U.S. National Squad member from 1982-1996, and Mika’il Sankofa, a three-time Olympian, two-time national champion and now a highly regarded coach.

Anthony, based in Columbus, is the event co-director.  He said last year’s Fencing Classic drew appreciative crowds to the sport who had never experienced the excitement of live competition.  Anthony explained that fencing is one of a handful of sports that have been part of every modern Olympics.

Admission is included in the $10 ticket for the Arnold Fitness EXPO.  Teams must register in advance.  For more information, contact Julia@royalarts.org