Academy of Fencing Masters Blog

Art of Fencing, Art of Life

Essential Tips for Adult and Senior Fencers Starting Their Fencing Journey

Essential Tips for Adult and Senior Fencers Starting Their Fencing Journey

Starting fencing as an adult or even as a senior citizen opens up a world of possibilities, but it also comes with its own set of considerations. While this blog primarily focuses on youth fencing and parenting topics, recent requests from adult and senior fencers have prompted us to delve into their specific needs.

Fencing is not a hobby you can master overnight: it’s a lifelong journey. Unlike some other activities, you can’t become a proficient fencer in a short period of time. While it’s possible to take a short course and discover that fencing isn’t for you (unfortunately, this might happen!), truly enjoying fencing requires a long-term commitment. From developing fundamental techniques to building fencing-specific stamina, understanding tactical elements, learning to compete, and fostering relationships with fellow fencers, coaches, and referees, the journey is rich and multifaceted. It’s about more than just participating in bouts; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture of fencing and embracing it as a significant part of your life. If you invest the time and effort into this journey, you’ll find that fencing can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Embarking on this lifelong journey in fencing starts with that first step onto the strip. As you delve into the world of fencing, here are some essential tips explicitly tailored for adult and senior fencers to navigate this enriching pursuit.

Remembering Alexei Sintchinov: A Gentleman of Profound Impact

Remembering Alexei Sintchinov: A Gentleman of Profound Impact

The life cycle on this planet follows its inevitable course, and we inevitably bid farewell to friends as they depart from this world. Yet, some leave behind a profound impact—a legacy of kindness, mentorship, and gentle guidance. When such individuals depart, they leave a void in our hearts, and disbelief clouds our minds.

For me, Alexei Sintchinov was one such person. Every competition brought an opportunity for us to meet and engage in lengthy conversations. His words were always filled with wisdom and delivered with kindness. Whether it was at a national competition or a regional event, we would greet each other every morning and talk at length, and I cherished those moments dearly. I knew I could rely on him for honest advice, even on the toughest questions, and I always felt his intentions were sincere.

When officiating our fencers, Alexei often took the time to share insights with me afterward. His feedback on the children’s fencing was invaluable, and I eagerly sought his guidance for more. He embodied the essence of a true gentleman—a person of unwavering reliability and trustworthiness. In his passing, we have lost not just a friend, but a pillar of support and a source of inspiration.

Alexei’s legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Silencing the Sidelines: Navigating Parental Involvement in Strip Coaching

Mom, Shut Up! Navigating Parental Involvement in Strip Coaching

In a competition in Washington DC, I witnessed a situation that immediately prompted me to write a post about it. Unfortunately, this is all too common in our sport, and I’ve never seen a competition without it. However, this time, the girl put it so eloquently in her response that I felt compelled to write about it.

It was a tense moment during a fencing match. A young athlete, let’s call her Sarah, found herself locked in a fierce Direct Elimination bout. As she faced her opponent, her coach offered guidance and encouragement from the sidelines. But alongside the coach stood her mother, eagerly seconding every word, often offering her own commentary, and even questioning the referee’s calls. The atmosphere was charged with intensity as the match progressed.

As the bout entered the third period, the score stood at 13-13. Both athletes were neck and neck, with victory hanging in the balance. Within the first few seconds of the third period, Sarah’s opponent scored a crucial touch, taking the lead 14-13. It was a pivotal moment, and tensions ran high.

Amidst the pressure, Sarah’s mother couldn’t contain herself. She shouted instructions, a mix of what the coach had said and her own observations. The cacophony of voices only added to Sarah’s confusion and frustration. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Sarah turned to her mother and delivered a resounding “Mom, shut up! You confuse me!” The words reverberated through the convention center, cutting through the tension like a blade.

It was a moment of clarity amidst the chaos. Sarah’s plea resonated not just with her mother but with everyone present. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of boundaries and trust in the athlete-coach-parent dynamic.

While perhaps extreme, this scenario highlights a common issue in youth sports in general and fencing in particular (or maybe especially): overcoaching by parents. While it’s natural for parents to want the best for their children and to offer support during competitions, there are times when their well-intentioned efforts can do more harm than good.

I happened to witness this with another coach, when we both were watching this bout with an interest. When the girl said it to her mom, we both smiled and discussed the situation after the match, so here are some common reasons that we exchanged in our aftermath conversation for why parents should resist the urge to coach their child from the sidelines, especially when a coach is present. I’m not sure whether this list is comprehensive or if additional people (coaches, parents, athletes) will find more reasons why not, but still, these reasons are sound enough to realize your boundaries.

Celebrating Women’s Impact in Fencing

Celebrating Women's Impact in Fencing

In the ongoing dialogue surrounding the evolving role of women in society, one domain where their influence shines brightly and undeniably profound is the world of fencing. Once viewed through the lens of male dominance, fencing has undergone a remarkable transformation, with women asserting their presence and prowess alongside men. Visit any local fencing club and any fencing competition at local, regional, national, and international levels, and you’ll witness a vibrant community where women and girls make up nearly half of the members, showcasing their skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.

The recent announcement by the Olympic Committee of equal gender quotas for the Paris 2024 Games underscores the progress in achieving gender parity in sports in general and in fencing in particular. This marks the second Olympic Games to feature all 12 fencing disciplines (Individual and Team, men’s and women’s epee, foil, and sabre), extending equal opportunities to both male and female athletes, reaffirming fencing’s status as a sport where gender distinctions hold no sway in determining one’s success or participation.

Consider the story of women in fencing—a narrative marked by resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements. Historically, women faced barriers and misconceptions that sought to limit their involvement in the sport. For instance, the first women’s fencing events were introduced at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. Initially, only the foil was used by women, as it was believed that weapons like the sabre and epee were too “masculine” for them. However, the introduction of women’s epee at the 1996 Atlanta Games and women’s sabre at the 2004 Athens Games shattered these stereotypes, proving that women are equally capable in all aspects of fencing.

In the last hundred years, marking the 100th anniversary of women’s inclusion in the Olympics, women fencers have made remarkable strides in the sport, particularly in the USA. Icons like Italian foil fencer Valentina Vezzali, who participated in five Olympic Games and earned nine medals, including six Golds, have left an indelible mark on the sport. USA’s Mariel Zagunis made history as the first woman to win Individual Gold in Sabre in the discipline’s inaugural Games in Athens in 2004, and currently she’s the only woman in fencing to win two Individual Gold medals in sabre. Such female fencers trailblazers have left an indelible mark on the sport and have set the stage for future generations of female fencers.

Another legendary figure in fencing history is Janice York Romary, who is the first woman fencer to participate in six Olympic Games, with her Olympic career spanning two decades from 1948 to 1968. In addition to her unparalleled competitive prowess, York Romary made history as the first woman to bear the USA flag at the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony in her last appearance in 1968 in Mexico.  In London, the two-time Olympic Champion Mariel Zagunis was the second female fencer to bear the US flag, making it the fifth appearance for fencers as flag bearers. So, naturally, we suggest that reigning foil Olympic Champion Lee Kiefer bear the flag in Paris, maintaining equal representation for male and female fencers! But we’ve heard whispers among fencers that they fear it might jinx their performance in the Olympics, so maybe not? 🙂

It’s also important to recognize the pivotal role of female coaches in shaping the landscape of fencing. Across the globe, women have not only excelled as athletes but have also become influential figures in coaching, mentoring, and guiding aspiring fencers to success. Their contributions extend beyond the confines of the training salle, encompassing mentorship, leadership, and the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive fencing community.

Female coaches bring a unique perspective and insight to the sport, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship to athletes of all levels. Their dedication, expertise, and passion inspire the next generation of fencers, instilling in them the values of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. From nurturing young talent to refining the skills of seasoned competitors, female coaches play a vital role in fostering growth and development in the sport and are powerful role models for aspiring fencers, demonstrating that success knows no gender boundaries. Their presence in coaching positions not only challenges traditional gender stereotypes but also empowers female athletes to pursue their dreams and aspirations in fencing and beyond.

Fencing, often hailed as a physical manifestation of mental agility and strategic thinking, provides an exceptional platform for girls and women to excel. Unlike some sports where physical attributes may confer advantages or act as barriers to progress, fencing places a premium on mental acuity and tactical finesse, offering equality to all women in the sport.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributions of women to the sport of fencing. Their tireless dedication, passion, and commitment serve as beacons of inspiration, shaping the future of fencing and paving the way for generations of athletes to come.

The Power of a Smile: Lessons from Jacqueline Du Pre for Fencers

The Power of a Smile: Lessons from Jacqueline Du Pre for Fencers

Recently, I stumbled upon a story about Jacqueline Du Pre that struck a chord deep within me. It encapsulated everything I aspire to instill in my fencers—a passion for the sport that transcends mere competition and embraces the sheer joy of participation.

Du Pre was undeniably one of the most accomplished cellists in the world, driven by a profound love for music that ignited her passion from a young age. Her relentless dedication led her to countless hours of practice, each session filled with pure enjoyment and fulfillment. 

At age 6, Jacqueline attended her first music competition. At one point, a custodian saw her running down the corridor, brimming with excitement, smiling from ear to ear, her cello held high above her head. He remarked, “I see here runs a child who just performed well in the competition!” Jacqueline’s response was nothing short of captivating: “Oh, no, Sir!  I’m just about to!” 

At its core, Jacqueline’s story is about embracing enjoyment—the deep passion and joy that infuse every aspect of the performance. It’s this fervor that drives us forward, propelling us through the inevitable setbacks and failures with unwavering resilience.

And it all starts with something as simple as a smile.

Before stepping onto the competition floor, during each bout and every touch, and even after the final handshake with opponents, the power of a smile cannot be underestimated. It’s a transformative force, infusing each encounter with a sense of joy and passion.

Imagine each bout as a puzzle waiting to be solved. The goal isn’t merely victory but the sheer pleasure of outsmarting your opponent, of unraveling the intricacies of this captivating game. Whether you emerge triumphant or face defeat, there’s value in every outcome—an insight gained, a lesson learned.

But perhaps the greatest tragedy is missing out on the opportunity to savor the bout and glean those invaluable insights when we allow ourselves to succumb to frustration or disappointment. By embracing a smile, by finding joy in the act of competing, we set ourselves up for success, regardless of the final score.

So, as you prepare to step onto the strip, channel the spirit of Jacqueline Du Pre and harness the power of a smile. Let it be your constant companion, your ally in the pursuit of excellence. Smile when you put your fencing mask on, and smile when you take it off. For in the end, it’s not just about winning or losing—it’s about wholeheartedly participating in something you love. And that is the truest victory of all.

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