Genesis Fencing Club Offers Summer Camps For Kids

By  //  June 3, 2013

'Little Musketeers Camp' starts June 4

ABOVE VIDEO: Fencing a a great sports for all ages, teaching physical strength, emotional stamina and mental acuity.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Daniel Bucur has had his fill of war. He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force for 12 years, deploying a total of four times and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dan Bucur, his wife and two daughters launched Genesis Fencing Club in Melbourne at 3096 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne last November. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
Dan Bucur, his wife and two daughters launched Genesis Fencing Club in Melbourne at 3096 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne last November. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

When he retired from the Air Force last year, he decided to settle in Melbourne, one of the communities he got to know when he was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base.

“We fell in love with this community,” Bucur said. “And we knew we had something we could offer our neighbors.”

Bucur, his wife and two young daughters launched Genesis Fencing Club in Melbourne at 3096 Lake Washington Road last November. The club is a place where people ages 6 to 76 can learn how to fence, one of the four sports represented at the Olympics since the games began in Athens, Greece in 1896.

“I firmly believe that it was the physical strength, emotional stamina and mental acuity that the sport of fencing instilled in me that set me up for later success in life,” Bucur said.

“I firmly believe that it was the physical strength, emotional stamina and mental acuity that the sport of fencing instilled in me that set me up for later success in life,” Bucur said.

“It’s a wonderful sport that teaches discipline, hard work, team work, and perseverance. I wanted to pass that on.”

ROMANIA NATIONAL CHAMP

Bucur’s love affair with fencing began when he was only 9 years old and living in Bucharest, Romania. He was playing in the street with a group of friends who interrupted their playtime for their fencing lesson. He’d never heard of fencing before, so he tagged along to satisfy his curiosity.

Bucur continued fencing when he came to the United States and attended Campbell University in North Carolina for his undergraduate degree, and Baylor University in Texas for his graduate degree in ministry. (Shutterstock image)
Bucur continued fencing when he came to the United States and attended Campbell University in North Carolina for his undergraduate degree, and Baylor University in Texas for his graduate degree in ministry. (Shutterstock image)

Fast-forward six years and he earned the title Romania National Champion in the youth category. In fact, that’s how his dad found out Bucur had taken up a new hobby. He saw a picture and story in their hometown newspaper.

“My dad actually was against fencing, and did not let me fence at first,” he said. “But I did it without him knowing it.”

When Bucur’s father finished reading the article, he asked to see the medal and became a fan.

Bucur not only continued fencing, he became part of Romania’s national team. He finished third in the youth category at the Balkan Games when he was only 16. He was even slotted to attend the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow, but injuries kept him away. Still, his list of accomplishments is long, and includes international titles.

“I thank God for closing in the circle of my life and allowing me to return to my first love, fencing,” he said. It’s in college where he discovered the great opportunities that exist for good fencers.

Bucur continued fencing when he came to the United States and attended Campbell University in North Carolina for his undergraduate degree, and Baylor University in Texas for his graduate degree in ministry. He worked for a while as a minister before Sept. 11, 2001 rattled the nation. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a chaplain one month later.

“I thank God for closing in the circle of my life and allowing me to return to my first love, fencing,” he said.

It’s in college where he discovered the great opportunities that exist for good fencers.

NCAA SPONSORS WOMEN’S AND MEN’S FENCING

Most people don’t realize there is scholarship money out there for students who fence.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association sponsors a combined 34 men’s fencing teams in Divisions I and II, as well as 43 Division I and II combined women’s fencing teams. (Image courtesy NCAA.com)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association sponsors a combined 34 men’s fencing teams in Divisions I and II, as well as 43 Division I and II combined women’s fencing teams. (Image courtesy NCAA.com)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association sponsors a combined 34 men’s fencing teams in Divisions I and II, as well as 43 Division I and II combined women’s fencing teams. The list of schools offering scholarships, include prestigious institutions such as the University of Norte Dame and Stanford University. The scholarships, though, are just one benefit.

Bucur is such a strong believer in the benefits of the sport, he began teaching his daughters, ages 9 and 10, in their garage. They are now avid fans of the sport because it is “fun.”

SUMMER CAMPS, PRIVATE LESSONS

He is kicking off the club’s first summer season by offering one-week camps for kids. His “Little Musketeers Camp” for children 6-9 begins June 4. Camps for older children, and those of varying abilities, are also available. The three-hour camps cost $150 and include all equipment.

The club also offers private lessons and tournament play. It is sanctioned by the US Fencing Association (USFA) and is a member of the Central Florida Division of USFA. The club hosted its first local tournament this past May.
The club also offers private lessons and tournament play. It is sanctioned by the US Fencing Association (USFA) and is a member of the Central Florida Division of USFA. The club hosted its first local tournament this past May.

“All you need to bring is a bottle of water, a towel and a positive attitude,” said Bucur, or Coach Daniel, as he’s known around the club.

The club also offers private lessons and tournament play. It is sanctioned by the US Fencing Association (USFA) and is a member of the Central Florida Division of USFA. The club hosted its first local tournament this past May.

“We have a good time,” Bucur said of his classes. “I strive to teach my students that at the end of every class, they should not only learn something about fencing, but most importantly something about themselves. I think that’s what it is all about.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE or call 321-474-8931.

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 ABOVE MAP: Genesis Fencing Club is located at 3096 Lake Washington Road in Melbourne, Florida