A soft spoken and thoughtful 11th grader, Jack Kahler (pictured center) came to Middleburg Academy at the start of the current school year ready to learn . . . and to duel.

In addition to soccer, tennis and his other non-academic pursuits, the 16-year-old from Ashburn is accomplished in the sport of fencing. Thanks to his enthusiasm and organizational abilities, this year Dragon Athletics introduced a Fencing Club Team.

Jack, a transfer student from a much larger public school, first became involved in the sport about two and half years ago through Fairfax Fencers, where he continues to train and compete. More recently, he has become a substitute teacher there.

Under Jack's leadership and coaching — and with the support of history teacher Mr. Lee Banse, who serves as the club's faculty facilitator — six additional students have spent the late fall and winter honing their strike, parrying, attack and defense abilities in thrice weekly sessions after school. For all but one, this is the first time they have attempted the sport.

The most common version of fencing today, also called Olympic fencing or competitive fencing, is divided into three weapon categories: foil, sabre and épée. Foil is the type practiced at Middleburg.

Fencing has certainly evolved from its ancient origins, with a history that parallels the evolution of civilization. Regarded as more than mere sport, it is also an art form.

Jack, like many who partake in the endeavor, especially enjoys "the way it combines both mental and physical challenges — you have to be smart in both spaces."

In the last century, side-judges have been replaced by electrical scoring apparatus that registers a more accurate scoring of faster actions and lighter touches. In a recent all-school assembly, the team demonstrated for viewers the intricacies of the sport. Jack explained the objectives and scoring through semi-final and championship bouts in which Chris Nickles '15 (left) prevailed, and was subsequently proclaimed by Mr. Banse "Middleburg Academy's First Ever Fencing World Champion." Yungi "Ricky" Ma '15 (right) was runner-up.

Also sparked by student interest, two other sports were added to the Dragon Athletics offerings this year: an Equestrian Club Team and Varsity Cheerleading.

Middleburg Academy's philosophy is that adolescents need many outlets for expression, and sports represent one important and healthy opportunity to do so. The athletic program is unique to high schools in its encouragement of broad participation and outstanding results.

The independent secondary school considers interscholastic athletics an integral part of the educational experience and fields sixteen interscholastic programs in ten different sports.

A "no cut" policy means every student is invited to play on a team, regardless of prior experience. Many students learn to play a sport for the first time, while others go on to play at the college level.

This year, 88% of the student body has participated in at least one sport.