You’re one of the top club fencers in the city. In 2006, you placed second in a city-wide championship. Tell us how you got started and what the fencing community in Beijing is like. I began fencing when I was in England and later was on the Boston University club team. The first real club started in Beijing around 1998, and was in the basement of one of the buildings used to host the Asia Games. Now, there are three smaller clubs and Wan Guo, the major club here in Beijing. There may be 50 to 60 amateur adult fencers here.

So, what’s unique about fencing? We have a saying for fencing: “ji ròu xiàng qí,” meaning the chess game of muscle. It’s all about strategy.

What would your opponents say about your strategy and style? They say I am fast on my legs, and I can keep a good distance, which is ideal for me and not so good for them. My wrist is also pretty strong, so I’m accurate when it comes to hitting targets.

What does it take to win a match? People always try to get the early lead, meaning they want to win four or five points right at the beginning. You’ll often see competitors run into each other, trying to overpower each other, trying to get those points. But if you can resolve that and counter your opponent, you can kill the spirit of the other side.

What does fencing mean to you? Fencing is not what a lot of people think—we don’t dress in white, looking elegant or like ballet dancers. For people who play the sport, it’s a mind game, and it’s physically demanding. You sweat a lot. I have a rusty helmet. For me, fencing is like boxing without the competitors hurting each other. It is intense. There is nothing elegant about it.

Zachary Franklin

What: Wan Guo Fencing Club Where: Olympic Sports Center Tel: 8437-5508