I Run at People with Swords

This post is for new subscribers - especially my new teachers at Torrance High

Since it’s the start of the new school year I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to my new teachers and subscribers. My name is Masanobu Mark Miyasaki-Castro. My friends call me Mas or Masa. I am a competitive Saber fencer. Essentially, I run at people with swords.

10 year old me next to me right before I turned 16

I’ve been fencing since I was 10. I have one national medal, I’ve been in the top 16 twice at North American Cups, and I have too many regional medals to count. I am currently 27th in the country for Cadet Men’s Saber (under 17). I am 160th in the country for Juniors (under 20). And I regularly fence in Division 1. I’ve traveled all over the country to compete, and I will soon be traveling the world.

Fencing is my passion. I show up early to practice and leave late. I go six times a week and if the club was open on Sundays, I’d go seven. There’s nothing that matches the feeling of running your opponent down the strip, the sounds of the scoring machines, my cheering teammates, the cry’s of victory echoing through the convention center. I wouldn’t give that up for anything.

This year I have been approached by a few coaches of college fencing teams. I really want to fence at a Division 1 college, though I haven’t ruled out Division 2 or 3. That means on top of my rigorous tournament schedule, I will probably be visiting a few college campuses this year too. And while college is important, to me it’s just the next step on the way to the olympics.

I get paid to referee tournaments. I am certified to ref Saber and Epee. I also had a chance to get Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified at my club. I highly recommend getting certified, it's not hard and you could save a life.

All of this means I miss a lot of school. Ask my teachers from last year, they will tell you. As a scholar-athlete I always let my teachers know in advance before I’ll be out for a tournament. I will do whatever work I can beforehand, and I have become used to doing homework at airports and in hotel rooms. And I make-up anything I miss as soon as I get back.

Fencing also means a lot of very specialized gear. I needed a new set of whites to meet international standards as I get prepared to fence the European circuit. I want to thank everyone who chipped in for my birthday GoFundMe to help pay for new gear! I bought the new whites this weekend and I can’t wait to wear them overseas! Thank you to: Uncle Charlie & Aunt Brianna, Mike Muñoz, Jacqueline Weltman, Jen D'Incecco, Marie Yatman, Audrey Creed, Linda Collins & Regina Stanback Stroud, Grandpa David and Grandma Cindy, Sherilyn Analla, Lois Liston, Takako & Ray, Diana Stanojevich, Naomi Reyna, Zuly Naegele & Alfonzo Ramirez, Danielle Burbank, Daniella Liston, Jennifer London, Clark Redhorn, Uncle Noah Mudge, Vincent Krone, Rebecca Aguila, Bryan Keithley, Jolene Jose, Aunt Marti & Adolfo, Dara Hill, Consuelo Morales, Aunty Aileen & Uncle Michael Miyagi and Jenn & Ty Steele.