Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Itkin.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Immigrated from Ukraine to the US in 1992. First few months worked in the morning on construction leaded by an unlicensed contractor and in the evening went to school to study English. Two months later find out about the fencing club in Culver City and got my first fencing job as a fencing coach. In 1997 opened my first small fencing studio. In 2002 together with my business partner, we opened LAIFC. According to American fencing magazine, LAIFC is one of the top 8 largest and successful privately owned fencing centers. Prepared members of the US Olympic and US world championship Teams. Win gold medals at the world cups and championships. Bronze medal at Olympic Games in Tokyo.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not an easy and smooth road. New country, new language, everything needs to get started from the beginning. From no employed immigrant to US Olympic Coaching Staff.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Former athlete, successful fencing coach, PhD in physical education 9 years US junior fencing team National Coach. Prepared two times world champion. Olympic bronze medalist. Member of US Olympic Coaching Staff. In 2008 first time in the history of US Fencing, men’s foil team wins junior world championships. Archilialy, Italy. In 2018 my student and son Nick Itkin wins junior world championships in the individual competition in Verona, Italy. 2021 Bronze medal at Olympic Games in Tokyo in the team competition. 2022 My student Nick Itkin wins bronze medal in the individual competition and team USA wins the silver medal at the world championships in Cairo, Egypt.
