We recently published a piece on how to fence a taller fencer, but now we’re back to give you some tips on how to fence someone who is much shorter than you are!
Many people think that taller fencers have a distinct advantage on the strip thanks to their longer reach and ability to cover distance quickly, but then many relatively new fencers find out that being taller doesn’t mean that winning is always easy. Shorter fencers have some distinct advantages in their own right, and these tips will help you to not just lean on your height advantage when you’re fencing against a smaller opponent.
Incidentally, these techniques are especially important for children to learn, as their heights are constantly changing, as are those of their opponents. While a child might be the tallest in their division this year, that advantage might not be there next year! Growth spurts affect young fencers in tremendous ways, which is why it’s so important for kids to constantly learn solid skills rather than relying on any physical attributes, which are unlikely to last for long.
Fencing is a fun sport. It’s a sport that’s fueled by adrenaline. It’s a sport that offers great gear, fantastic exercise, real combat and awesome opportunities for the future. It’s also a complex sport. Kids who enjoy activities that are challenging are generally those who are going to enjoy fencing the most, and who are most likely to be successful as fencers. 
Have you ever seen one of these things? Foam rollers have been a secret of athletes who are working to loosen their bodies for many years, dating all the way back the 1950’s. Like many workout tools, they’re something that can look a little strange if you’ve never seen one before, but trust us when we say that they’re definitely a good thing for your body.
This week we received the most wonderful news about AFM – we’ve been ranked #1 among all USA fencing clubs in the Super Youth Circuits, based on the results tracked by National Fencing Club Rankings (NFCR)!