Faces of Fitness: Bill Becker

By Beth Milograno Berry, Jewish Community Alliance

En Garde! When community members join our Fencing Academy at the Jewish Community Alliance, they learn the art of the sport from one of the best fencers in the world, National and World Fencing Champion William “Bill” Becker.

Recently featured by First Coast News, as part of the NBC station’s Summer Olympic coverage, Bill, a competitive fencer since 1983 and instructor since 1991, shared his knowledge about fencing and coaching for viewers in Northeast Florida.

“In addition to keeping your mind active, the footwork and agility involved in fencing keep people young,” says Bill. “There is actually a world championship for fencers who are older than 70.”

The twenty-fi ve-time Sunshine State Games gold medalist, sixteen-time Florida Gold Coast division champion, four-time veteran world champion, twelve-time national champion and U.S. Fencing Coaches Association 2018 Coach of the Year, believes fencing is a sport for all ages. Bill tells everyone that they are never too old to start fencing. The sentiment is echoed by Tracy Miller, one of Bill’s students who became a competitive fencer at age 38. “Fencing is not a sport about strength and age,” explains Tracy. “You can fence in a wheelchair. In fact, there is competitive wheelchair fencing.”

Sometimes referred to as “physical chess,” fencing is one of fi ve sports that has been featured in every Summer Olympic game since 1896. The object is to strike your opponent while avoiding being hit yourself.

“You are trying to get them to do what you want them to do, and they are trying to make you do what they want you to do,” says Bill. “And whoever does it better, wins.”

The JCA’s Fencing Academy helps youth and adult fencers gain confi dence through games, footwork, coordination, drills and bouts. Visit www.jcajax.org or call (904) 730-2100 ext. 228, to register.