Baden, a Saratoga resident, ranks third nationally in the 10-and-under age division and is one of the many exceptional fencers training at the club, located in the Westgate Shopping Center. Her mother, Rose Baden, says, "Fencing has given Lucy so much confidence, even in trying new things."

The club, owned by Daniel Tibbetts, was founded in Los Gatos but moved to its Prospect Road location because of cheaper rent and the more central location. The club trains fencers from throughout the Bay Area and particularly from Saratoga and Los Gatos, where it began as a parks and recreation program serving both cities.

Fencing, which has its roots in ancient combat, is described as a sport that is 30 percent physical and 70 percent mental. It involves quick reflexes and discipline and is often referred to as "chess with muscles," as fencers must think ahead of their opponents at all times.

Fencers can choose to fight with one of three weapons: the foil, the epee or the saber, which are used differently. Although fencers can compete in all three areas, they normally choose to focus on one weapon.

The fencing academy, lined with masks, weapons and neatly arranged white vests, reflects the same orderly determination that its owner has. One of Tibbetts' goals with the academy is not only to teach people "the art, science and discipline of the sport" but to also produce fencing champions that excel. That spirit of excellence is evident in the club, which is nationally ranked and also a designated national training center.

Tibbetts speaks proudly of the academy and especially of his students' achievements. "We are one of the top three youth clubs in the nation in national point standings and also medal count," says Tibbetts. The California Fencing Academy is also the largest in Northern California, at 6,000 square feet.

Tibbetts, the founder of the club, has an extensive background in the sport. He is certified by the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association, along with being a certified personal trainer and sports rehabilitation specialist. He has trained extensively in Italy and France and has attained the level of a fencing master through hard work, dedication and an unwavering passion for the sport.

Tibbetts is often seen supervising the classes and stepping in to praise young fencers or to help with their technique. "Excellent. Now you have it," Tibbett says as he works with a student on thrust and parry.

Choosing instructors involves what Tibbetts describes as a "very careful process." The academy has four full-time trainers, all passionate about the sport of fencing. All of them have extensive backgrounds in fencing, with impressive lists of titles and medals.

Photograph by George Sakkestad After a practice match, Jeff Martin (left) and Stephen Cho write down their scores on the board.

Ania Tibbetts, who is a women's foil coach, was a Polish national fencing champion and has coached four Junior Olympics teams. In 1996, she was a member of the Olympic squad in Atlanta, Ga.

This month, seven of the academy's students are travelling to Colorado to compete in the Junior Olympics. Robin Lepold, the academy's team manager, says that the Junior Olympics offers "very exciting" competition. "You have to qualify for it, which makes it more difficult. It is a great experience for all of the competitors. They get to meet people from all over the United States," says Lepold. The fencing academy has participated in the Junior Olympics for the last several years.

Tibbetts explains that fencing helps students with college admissions and scholarship possibilities. Almost all of the students that have embraced the program have gone on to various colleges. "We have had students go on to Penn State, Stanford and even Harvard. It's one of the easiest sports to assist with getting into a good college," says Tibbetts.

Martin Lee of Saratoga would agree. Lee, a college freshman, ended up going to Stanford after being a member of the California Fencing Academy for seven years. Lee went on to become a two-time national champion and also a U.S. World Team member. He is now a member of the Stanford men's fencing team.

Lee has gained more from the sport than just medals and victories. His mother, Francis Lee, explained that her son has matured through his involvement with the sport.

Photograph by George Sakkestad Fencing students Jessica Wacker (left) and Kendra Rimbach compete during a practice match.

Another outstanding fencer to come out of the academy is Joshua Lepold, age 15, a Los Gatos High School student. Not only was Lepold a previous national champion, Tibbetts says that they are training him "with the purpose of making the Cadet U.S. World Team, hopefully in 2004 or 2005."

His mother, Robin Lepold, explains that fencing has helped her son in many different areas, as the sport takes tremendous discipline that has carried over into other areas of his life. "It has really helped him learn to focus his energy on something he can be really good at. I've been able to watch him gain confidence. Even his schoolwork has improved since he started fencing."

Lepold, who has been fencing for about six years, loved it immediately and originally chose it over other sports, such as baseball. Lepold's mother laughed, saying, "What 9-year-old boy wouldn't want to play with weapons?"

She also explained that fencing is a safe sport with very few injuries, probably due to the gear that participants wear, which includes masks, a glove and protective jackets. Unlike in days of old, modern fencers score by lightly touching their opponent with the tip or side of their foil, making it a nonviolent contact sport.

East Coast fencers have traditionally dominated in fencing, as they have been involved in the sport much longer. Lepold suggests that this is beginning to change. "We are whipping out some amazing fencers," says Lepold.

Photograph by George Sakkestad Fencing instructor Dan Tibbetts offers some pointers to 7-year-old Stephanie Chang during lessons at the California Fencing Academy.

Tibbetts hopes to expand the fencing academy even more in the future, attracting new students and obtaining more classroom space.

But for now, one thing is certain: At the California Fencing Academy, shouts of "Enguard" and the sound of clashing blades will be heard for a long time in the lives of Tibbetts and his students.