How fencing honed Nikhil Barshikhar's emotional intelligence and discipline

Looking for a gentleman’s way to settle a quarrel? Nikhil Barshikhar, MD of Imarticus Learning, has found the way with his new found passion for fencing.

“You set up moves that act as a decoy; you think two steps ahead and wait for an opportune moment to strike. It teaches you about restraint, when to hold on and when to let go and all of it is non-verbal,” says he. Barshikhar credits the sport for honing his EQ and discipline.

The thrill of the game has captured his mind. “I got introduced to it quite late in my life and like any adult learning a new hobby, it can get frustrating because you are doing it despite everything life throws at you — work, family, social commitments. But perseverance pays off in the end, much like it does in business.”


The biggest learning for him has been to lose with grace and accept defeat. Barshikhar has not been able to fence with anyone from his professional network yet, but he is hoping to, soon.