The All-American Fencing Academy hosted one of its largest tournaments, with 4 events, and a total of 34 fencers. Saturday, Jan. 4, Fayetteville's Olympic fencing academy hosted the Elementary and Middle School fencing circuit as well as one of the meets for Varsity and Junior Varsity Homeschool fencers.
After coming from back-to-back medals, Olivia McKinney, a 5th grader at Overhills High School in Harnett County, took first place with an undefeated record throughout the day. Previously, Olivia McKinney took 1st in "The Southern," a USA Fencing Regional event in Myrtle Beach. She also took 3rd place in an all-girls intramural tournament during the Christmas Holidays.
Isabella Lee, a 7th grader at Seventy-First Classical Middle School in Cumberland County, has also been competing in several USA Fencing Regional events, also went undefeated in the middle school event. Isabella has had a string of successes, recently missing the medal stand by one loss at "The Southern" and the Junior Olympic Qualifiers. However, in 2024, she had racked up 3 gold medals.
The All-American Homeschool Varsity Team, The Dead Squirrels, fell to Wilmington's Southeastern Cardinals in the homeschool team event. The Cardinals eventually took first place in the weekend's homeschool team event. The Cumberland Musketeers, the area's second homeschool varsity team, took third. This marks the first time the Fayetteville/Cumberland area has fielded 2 homeschool fencing squads!
In the Junior Varsity individual event, Mesha Green was the only competitor to represent the area. Green took 7th. The winner in the individual event was Thomas Knosky from the Wilmington Southeastern Cardinals.
From Feb. 14 to 17, Charlotte, NC, will be host to USA Fencing's Junior Olympics. Isaac Canady is the sole fencer to qualify from the All-American Fencing Academy during the Junior Olympic Qualifying tournament. This will be Canady's second time qualifying for and competing in the Junior Olympics in the Junior Men's Foil event. Last year, Canady placed 315 out of 348 fencers. This year, Canady, will have 343 fencers in his event.
A Growing Sport and a Growing Club
The sport of fencing is growing world-wide. In a historically European dominated sport, US teams have consistently been in the top places on the world stage for several years in World Cups, World Championships, and Olympics.
The All-American Fencing Academy also hosts a Walk-In Class for fencers that want to give it a try without making a full month commitment. The Walk-In Classes occur during Downtown Fayetteville’s Fourth Friday events.
The All-American Fencing Academy is located in Downtown Fayetteville at 207 B Donaldson St. It instructs and trains recreational and competitive fencers starting at age 7, teens, adults, and veterans ages 40+. Its fencers compete regionally and nationally. Their coaches include former World Cup and NCAA fencers.
For more information about the All-American Fencing Academy and its classes, please call 910-644-0137, e-mail info@allamericanfencing.com or visit www.allamericanfencing.com.

(Photo: Fencers participate in a tournament at All-American Fencing Academy, Jan. 4. Photo courtesy of All-American Fencing Academy)