Russian fencing coach nurtures young talents in Wuhan

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives instruction at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia, a 27-year-old Russian woman, serves as a coach at a fencing club in Wuhan. She started fencing at nine and had achieved notable results in multiple competitions in Russia.

"Fencing is like playing chess with your body, in that you need to anticipate your opponent's thoughts and react accordingly," Zaparivannaia said.

Driven by her keen interest in Chinese culture, Zaparivannaia went to Harbin, the capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, in 2022 to learn Chinese. She settled in Wuhan in March this year to coach young students for a fencing club as well as a few local schools.

In addition to imparting fencing strategy and tactics, Zaparivannaia hopes to help her students develop the spirit of independence and respect for their opponents. 

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives instruction at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives a lesson at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives a high-five to a trainee at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives a lesson at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia instructs a young student at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia gives instruction at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia talks with a trainee at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia learns Chinese while working at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia rides a bike at a scenic spot in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Zaparivannaia Mariia instructs a young student at a fencing club in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)