SUQUAMISH — Masks and white shirts donned, West Sound Academy students Sean Sebastian and Jacques White approach one another, one arm strung in the air and their other gripped to foil-type swords, aimed for each other’s chests.

Sebastian goes for a fleche, lunging toward White, who makes a perry. White then attempts a ripost but Sebastian is there for a perfect remise.

The bout is over.

Need a translation of their battle? Fencing teacher Alex Kerson is ready and willing to give you one.

“I’ve been trying to keep fencing alive in this area,” he said. “And Poulsbo has a lot of people that want to fence.”

Kerson, who has been fencing since 1979, teaches classes at Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, began working with West Sound Academy students in October on a semi-weekly basis.

What began as a few e-mail pleas from students to Kerson at the Suquamish-area private school has become an eight-member club. And though Kerson said that Puget Sound area competition “is really stiff,” he expects by the end of the year his new apprentices will be able to go to a tournament or two.

The opportunity Kerson has provided has given the West Sound students an athletic outlet that lets them enjoy sword fighting in a safe and fun experience.

Eighth grader White, inspired by one of his favorite TV and movie characters, decided to join the club as well.

“I wanted to be like Zorro,” he said.

WSA seventh grader Cody Cannon said his home sword fights with friends — consisting of any sticks they could find — were becoming a bit too dangerous.

“We were getting bruises and bloody knuckles and my parents were concerned,” he said. “So they recommended this.”

Eighth grader Sebastian used what he called the common fencing cliche.

“It’s like physical chess,” said Sebastian, who added he has six months of fencing experience. “It’s more of a thinking sport. I hope to continue fencing for as long as I can.”

“It’s fun trying to get people,” added ninth grader Miriam Hershberg. “And the sword work is fun.”

Kerson’s competitive experience began about 26 years ago.. After training, he got involved in an international tournament, but said he lost “by two touches,” and unfortunately later broke his sword blade. When family life entered the picture, he laid down his sword — at least what was left of it — and stopped competitive fencing.

His coaching career reignited eight years ago in Gorst at the Sunnyslope Club. But it wasn’t until a year ago that he started teaching in Poulsbo, when he took a position with Poulsbo Parks and Recreation.

Kerson said he’s enjoying teaching students, and still keeps in contact with many of this former apprentices from throughout the years.

“It’s the joy of watching their confidence grow,” Kerson said. “Watching them be learn to be creative with the blade.”