Maitre d'Armes Florin Paunescu

Florin Paunescu earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sport, Fencing Specialty, from the National academy of Physical Education and Sport of Bucharest. He also holds a Level I (hightest attainable) license in fencing pedagogy. From 1990 to 2003, Coach Paunescu was the second trainer and Head Coach for the Romanian National Sabre Team. Florin is the winner of many European sabre titles, including the prestigious European Cup gold medal in 1982.

Florin has developed many fencers to World Cup and Olympic level fencing:

Romanian National Championships

2002 Women's Cadet Team Sabre, Silver Medal
2002 Under 15 Women's Sabre, Alexandra Chiper, Silver Medal
2002 Under 15 Women's Sabre, Gabriela Oprea, Bronze Medal
2001 Women's Cadet Team Sabre, Gold Medal
2001 Under 15 Women's Sabre, Alexandra Chiper, Gold Medal
1995 Sabre Team, Gold Medal
Alexe Nicolae and Irna Draghici

Romanian Championships

2000 Children Team, Silver Medal
Cadet and Junior Sabre Teams, Silver and Bronze Medals
Cadet Foil Team, Silver Medal

Additional Achievements

1999 Romanian Cup Title - Irina Draghici
1999 "A" Competition, Nagykanisza Hungary - Catilina Gheaorghitoaia, 7th Place

While at AFC, Florin's sabre fencers have taken numerous Gold Medals at local events. Florin's foil student, Drew Moseley is the current Arizona State Foil Champion. Members of Florin's Elite Youth Team have attended Junior Olympic qualifiers and local and regional competitions. Three of Florin's students qualified for the 2005 Junior Olympics.