A brief history of fencing...

Fencing in NW Arkansas began in 1979 through the work of Scott Sutton, founder of the Fayetteville Fencing Academy and Fayetteville Fencing Club (our competitive name). The classes were held in Scott's apartment until 1982 when the group began renting a room in the old University of Arkansas Bowling Building.

After 16 years of growth, the club outgrew the two-strip room and a larger salle was sought. So in 1998, Neal Picken picked up the gauntlet and started the Arkansas Fencing Academy in Springdale. The Fayetteville Fencing Club moved into the new academy, which included 6 strips, a full armory, changing areas, and showers. The concept behind this new academy was having several area fencing clubs, formed through the local schools, utilizing its facilities. Currently, the only United States Fencing Association member club is the Fayetteville Fencing Club.

Each year, two special events are held: the Bastille Day celebration and the Fete de Fleuret tournament. Other club and regional tournaments are held at various times, and members are encouraged to attend out-of-town tournaments whenever possible.

Our coaching staff includes Nadia Tucha (foil), Iliya Metchkov (epee), Neal Picken, and Scott Sutton.

Nadia has over 30 years of fencing experience and over 10 years of coaching experience. Nadia was a member of the Bulgarian National team as a foil fencer for over 15 years. She fenced foil in the Bulgarion National Championships, Balkans Championships, and traveled throughout the world attending World Cup and World Championship competitions. Nadia joined the club in 2003 and became the owner and head coach in 2005.

Iliya also has over 30 years of fencing experience and was a member of the Bulgarian National Team for over 20 years as an epee fencer. He fenced on the Bulgarian Olympic team during the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, GA. Iliya joined the club in 2007 as an epee fencer and instructor.