Here in New Jersey, the sport of fencing is as popular as anywhere in the country. With over 100 high school programs and more than a dozen private fencing clubs in northern New Jersey alone, there's no shortage of opportunity to pick up a foil, épée, or sabre and cross blades with an opponent.
The newest addition to the fencing scene is the boutique Strato Fencing Academy located right here in Millburn. Owned and operated by local resident Jon Normile, it offers lessons in foil and épée to dedicated and enthusiastic fencing students. Jon is an Olympic Fencer, a multiple-time former national champion, a world team champion, and a member of the US Fencing Hall of Fame. He has set up his spacious garage as a fully equipped fencing salle and is now looking for students who want to improve their skills and learn from his experience.
"I've been fencing for over 40 years and it has enriched my life immeasurably. Now that my competitive days are mostly behind me, I find that I get just as much enjoyment out of helping others follow the same path that I did, as I did from winning tournaments. With my lessons, I try to pass along the art, science, and wisdom of fencing that I learned from my coaches before me, and that I've taught myself through a lifetime of fencing."
COVID-19 Precautions
During these dangerous times, all lessons are given either out-of-doors or in the garage/fencing salle with the doors wide open. Both the coach and the student wear USFA-approved face masks under their fencing masks. Handshakes after the lesson are replaced with a fencing salute.