I joined the UMD Fencing Club in the Fall of 2005. I have always been fascinated with swordplay, and the technique and skill involved. I have participated in a few tournaments as well, both at the University of Maryland and at Temple University. I fence using a sabre, because I feel that this affords the most freedom of the three weapons.

The Aikido club practiced martial arts three times a week at the university. What drew me to Aikido was that it relied not on the strength of the practitioner, but the skill and technique. Aikido is based on using the force of the opponent against him, and can be used by someone much weaker than the assailant.