Arkadiy Sarkisov

Maestro Arkadiy Sarkisov is Co-Founder and Co-Head Coach of Grand Rapids Fencing Academy.

An internationally successful fencer from the former Soviet Union, Maestro Arka was a member of the Soviet National Fencing Team, which competed in the 1985 World Students Games in Kyoto, Japan.

• Master/Maestro of Sport in Fencing 1981

• 1985 USSR National Fencing Champion

• 1986 USSR National Fencing Silver Medalist

• Champion (many times) & Medalist at the annual Azerbaijan State Championships

In 1984, Maestro Arkadiy graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education, a Major in Teacher of Physical Education and Coaching, and a minor in Physical Therapy from the Azerbaijan State Institute of Physical Culture & Sport Academy.

Maestro Arka's practical application of physical therapy was honed during his tenure from 1987 to 1989, when he worked as a physical therapist and massage therapist with the USSR’s Olympic Rowing Team. This extensive experience not only solidified his profound understanding of the human body, but also showcased his exceptional ability to apply his knowledge in a high-performance setting, instilling confidence in his students and peers.

In 1996, Maestro Arka moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and joined his older brother, Maestro Mikhail, as a co-head coach at West Michigan Fencing Academy.

There, he coached students and instructors with his brother until the summer of 2002, when the brothers decided to open their own fencing school: Grand Rapids Advanced Fencing Academy (GRAFA).

Through Maestro Arka's unwavering dedication to his students, GRAFA has fostered 8 National Champions (so far), first-team all-Americans, a Northwestern University Hall of Fame athlete, and members of the United States, Latvian, and Philippines National teams, who have proudly represented their respective countries at the World Cups and World Championships.

From 2006 to 2009, GRAFA’s Maestros coached the United States travel team in Women's Cadets and Junior Foil teams, coaching them to gold medals in many World and European Cup competitions.

Maestro Arka's students have gone on to attend Northwestern University, Notre Dame, Cornell, Temple, NYU, Boston College, Brandies, Michigan State, Wayne State, University of Michigan, and UNCs on various fencing scholarships.

In 2021 alone, four GRAFA students qualified for the NCAA Fencing Championships.

Maestro Arka is also a Nationally ranked fencing referee in all three weapons (Epee, Foil & Saber).

Maestro Arka earned a Master’s in Chinese Acupuncture from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine (Summa Cum Laude) (2007), and a Doctorate of Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (2022). His current practice works on behalf of the Born Clinic in Grand Rapids, MI.