My first introduction to the art of fencing was through my sister Joanna, who at 44, began taking fencing lessons at the Escrime Mont-Royal fencing club.

Other than the Olympics, my knowledge of fencing was limited to films and I certainly didn't know it was practiced right there within my local community in Montreal. As Joanna's passion deepened, I became intrigued by this mysterious combat sport. 

On the third floor of the community centre in the city's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood, the so…