Misha began the art of fencing in 1981 in Azerbaijan. As an athlete from 1981 to 1996, he was awarded numerous awards and diplomas, winning competitions at many different levels: national (former USSR), regional and local. From 1983 to 1990 he represented the Azerbaijan team in competitions within USSR. Before coming to Canada, Misha trained under Shturbabin Valery (national Honoured Maître - the highest level of coach in the Ukraine) and under Strashkin Alexandre (coach of higher category and the national Honoured Maître - the highest level of coach in the Russian Federation).
Misha began the art of fencing in 1981 in Azerbaijan. As an athlete from 1981 to 1996, he was awarded numerous awards and diplomas, winning competitions at many different levels: national (former USSR), regional and local. From 1983 to 1990 he represented the Azerbaijan team in competitions within USSR. Before coming to Canada, Misha trained under Shturbabin Valery (national Honoured Maître - the highest level of coach in the Ukraine) and under Strashkin Alexandre (coach of higher category and the national Honoured Maître - the highest level of coach in the Russian Federation).