Fatigue is a beast that all athletes have battled at one time or another. It can be an even worse enemy than your most talented opponent. Beyond just physical exhaustion, fatigue can also affect you mentally. When you can’t focus or make quick decisions, it impacts...
Academy of Fencing Masters Blog
Art of Fencing, Art of Life
Month: November 2014
The Fencing Coach: A thank you letter
Dear Fencing Coach, This letter is to all fencing coaches out there, and really all people that coach in the non-professional realm, who get paid little to do a lot and who create lasting memories for athletes without ever realizing it. Thank you for being a coach....
Fencing Strategy: Is my child too aggressive or too passive on the fencing strip?
Good parents worry about their children. We can’t avoid it because we love them and want the best for them. The good news is, when it comes to your child’s fencing personality, or fencing strategy, you don’t have to worry! I've had countless conversations with parents...
Types of Fencing Competitions & Qualification Paths
If you’re a parent that’s new to fencing, you may be a bit confused by all of the different types of fencing competitions discussed at your club or among other fencing parents. Fencing competitions vary in size, location, type, qualification process, and more. While...
To Shake or Not to Shake: Should a cold impact whether you shake your opponent’s hand after a fencing bout?
As the weather starts cooling down, and cold and flu season starts warming up, an important question is raised: should I still shake hands with my fencing opponent after a bout if I am sick? Is it rude if I don’t? In a word, yes. It will be considered rude if you...
Outside the Fencing Club: A suggested approach for structured at-home training
Recently I talked with the mom of one of our fencers about her son’s progress in his fencing skills. In particular we discussed his need to complement his fencing training sessions and conditioning at the club with at-home exercises. Good athletes know that you can’t...
Is your child interested in fencing? Surprise! He or she may already know more than you expect
As a parent, you probably know the system when it comes to enlisting your child in traditional kid’s sports such as swimming, gymnastics, and soccer. There are many start up classes to familiarize your child with the basics, learn the rules of the game, and train...
Fencing Clubs Make Cities Better
Macy, mom of Jared, shared his essay, which does not require any additional words from me - you know, out of the mouths of babes... 🙂 My Hometown By Jared Otake " The only place you can find a school, Skateboard Park, fencing club and a piano studio is in Campbell...