Where Champions
Rise

Why Fencing?

More Than a Sport —
A Life Skill

Fencing is a mentally engaging, physically active, and strategic discipline often called "physical chess." It challenges both mind and body simultaneously, making it one of the most complete activities a young person can pursue.

Whether your child is looking to try something new or aiming for collegiate-level competition, Charlotte Sabers Fencing Academy is here to guide them every step of the way.

Explore Programs

• Enhances focus and discipline — Improves attention span and academic performance
• Encourages strategic thinking — Like physical chess, requires constant problem-solving
• Boosts physical fitness — A great alternative to traditional team sports
• Teaches respect and sportsmanship — Core values built through structured practice
• Pathway to NCAA & Olympic fencing — Hundreds of universities recruit fencers
• Improves reflexes and coordination — Fast-paced action develops agility in all sports
• Builds confidence and self-esteem — Mastering skills creates real achievement
• Encourages perseverance and resilience — Mental toughness forged through challenge
• Promotes social interaction — Fencers form lasting friendships and leadership skills
• Decision-making under pressure — Rapid competitive play sharpens real-world thinking

Founder & Head Coach

Boris Khurgin,
Maître d'Armes

A Legacy in Competitive Fencing

Boris Khurgin began his fencing journey in 1971 in Kharkiv, Ukraine, under coaches Oleksii Ivanov, Boris Gontar, and Leonid Averbach. He earned medals at the Cadet and Junior Ukrainian Championships and was selected for the Ukrainian and USSR National "Stormbringer" Teams.

Transition to Coaching

Boris's coaching career began in 1981 at the Olympic Reserve Fencing School in Kharkiv. At just 24 years old, he was appointed Sabre Head Coach at one of Ukraine's most prestigious fencing institutions, leading his teams to multiple national championship victories.

Building Excellence in the United States

After immigrating to the USA in 1996, Boris joined the NY Fencers Club and Manhattan Fencing Center, then co-founded Island Fencing Academy in Long Island — developing national team members and world medalists Sarah and Peter Pak.

In 2007, he was appointed USA National Junior and Cadet Sabre Team Coach, mentoring future Olympians Dagmara Wozniak and Monica Aksamit and Aleks Ochocki — 2× NCAA Champion and current Head Coach of the USA Men's Sabre Team.

Founding Charlotte Sabers Fencing Academy

Boris founded CSFA with a vision to bring high-level fencing instruction to the Charlotte Metro Area. His coaching philosophy — built on technical mastery, strategic understanding, and mental resilience — ensures every fencer reaches their highest potential. Under his leadership, CSFA has developed a generation of youth fencers with exceptional competitive performance — including athletes with top national ratings and fencers who have earned medals at international competitions.

Meet Our Coaches