After which, he began competing in organized amateur fencing tournaments around Southern California where he got the opportunity to learn from many accomplished fencers, including Lucien Gaudin, Philippe Cattiau, Oreste Puliti, and Roger Ducret.

[8] Faulkner opened Falcon Studios, a theatre and fencing school with his wife, Edith Jane.

[10] Additionally, Faulkner trained a number of fencers for competition including Polly Craus, Sewall Shurtz, and Janice Romary.

[11] He taught a classical French style which stressed form, bladework, and finger strength over agility and athleticism, characteristic of the Italian school.

[12] Eventually, he retired from film work but continued to teach all three weapons until he suffered a stroke following a Saturday fencing class.