One of my most distinct memories with Sergei is when I was down 12-5 in a 15 touch bout and my other teammates were fencing, and yet Sergei stuck by my strip watching me until I lost. Later I asked Sergei why he stayed and watched me even though I was definitely going to lose and others could have used his help. I will never forget what he said, he told me that he wanted me and all of his students to know that he will always be there until the very end if we are losing. And this is the hallmark of Golubitsky Fencing Center.

GFC is a club that embodies Sergei’s approach to life. It is not an easy place. But it is a family. One where we all sweat together, train together, and eventually become champions together. From our youngest members having their birthdays celebrated with everyone singing for them, to our oldest members getting commemorated for their college acceptances, every fencer is cared for, loved, and celebrated.

Having moved onto the next chapter  moved onto the next chapter of my life at Stanford, I have come to appreciate my time at GFC more than ever. For starters, the college fencing format is different. Every bout is to just 5 touches, and many times I find myself in intense 4-4 encounters. And while others may find it stressful or nerve wracking, I remember all the times at GFC where Sergei made me stand in front of a poster with his favorite quote - “You must realize fear is not real. It is a product of your thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand, danger is very real, but fear is a choice.”

Having recited this mantra hundreds of times, and fenced countless one touch bouts in practice, the new college format does not seem all that scary. And so, while my teammates are shouting and gripping the edge of their seats as I enter the sudden death point, I simply remember my time at GFC and feel at ease.

But GFC lives beyond memories and life lessons. It continues on as I see my former team members on the college circuit. Or when former fencers come back to the club, a tradition I now carry on when I return as an alumni. And finally, it lives on when I wake up 6 days a week to go to morning practice. A ritual that seems easy after the years of discipline and hard work that GFC has instilled. A place I am proud to call my second home.