About
My name is Mika'il Sankofa and I'm a three-time US Olympian in the sport of fencing and the head coach and owner of Thrust Fencing Academy. I received my Maestro's Degree with honors from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary.
I speacialize in teaching students sabre ages 5-18 through private lessons and group classes. The classes are designed to engage students physically, socially, tactically with an emphasis on having fun while learning the sport of fencing!
I also run local and regional competitions, clinics, summer camps and birthday parties. I've been involved in the sport over 30 years, produced some outstanding results with my students:
Bronze Medalist - Junior World Cadet Men's Sabre
Six members of the US Junior World Team
Nine National Champions
Four NCAA All-Americans
Two Junior Olympic Champions
Numerous regional SYC, ROC, RYC Champions
Go to www.thrustfencingacademy.com or call 917-371-5603 to find out more details. Follow us on Instagram at Thrust Fencing
Why I love what I do? I enjoy providing a safe, fun haven for kids and teens alike to learn the sport of fencing. Overall it improves one's fitness, strategic thinking and social skills! Making a difference in kids lives through the sport of fencing which teach athletes discipline, focus, creativity, performance under pressure. So if you’re ready to give your athlete an alternative to video games and high cell phone dependency, give me a call and the first private is free of charge! Thrust Fencing Academy - “Fencing for the People.”
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Reviews
Marie G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
All first-time students who come to the club recieve the first private lesson and group class free of charge.
A beginner package is available thereafter at a cost of $200 which consists of two private lessons and two group classes.
Privates are 20-40 minutes and group classes are 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on skill level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 20 years of experience teaching kids to adults
Member of Three US Olympic Teams
Member of Two Pan American Teams
Member of Six Senior World Teams
Four-Time NCAA Champ
Thirteen-Time National Champion
Honors Maestro's Degree
Selmewweis Universtiy, Budapest, Hungary
BA Economics
New York Universtiy
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons are $75 per 20 minutes
Lessons packages are also available.
How did you get started teaching?
I've been a life-long fencer since age nine and actually started teaching kids as a teenager with my first coach who was also an Olympian.
Previously I've taught at the Fencers Club in Manhattan, the Peter Westbrook Foundation, Steven's Institute of Technology and the United Nations School.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students ranging from novice to world class athletes ages 5 to adult.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
An annual event that I'm proud of is my abilty to organize and hold regional events. Two that I hold annually are:
Thrust Super Youth Circuit and Thrust Junior-Cadet Circuit which bring together 2000 athletes annually to compete in events ranging from Youth 10-14 as well as events for teenagers under the age of 17 (Cadets) and those under the age of 20 (Juniors).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they are accomplished as either athletes or coaches with strong reputations for working with kids and adults alike.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do I want to fence?
What are class times available?
When can I take my first private lesson?
Do you provide equipment for beginners
How often should I train?