Swords Fencing Studio, Pasadena

The art of fencing, like the art of cooking, was developed in France and if not carefully practiced can devolve into reckless skewering. Head coach Tigran Shaginian, a European Championship winner and member of the 1984 Goodwill Games Pentathlon Team, understands the deadly dance well. Since the age of 7, now spanning 40 years of competitive experience, he's honed not only his own skill but the precision and grace of his students. Many of Swords Fencing Studio's pupils have followed his lead, earning gold medals in national and international competitions alike. But you don't have to be aiming for the major leagues to learn to fence. At parks and recreation classes, students at any level can get a basic understanding of épées.