Art of Fencing, Art of Life

Month: November 2014 Page 1 of 2

10 Tips for Fighting Fencing Fatigue: Staying energized on long days

A fencer takes a rest between the bouts to fight fencing fatigueFatigue 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 your game as much (if not more) than being winded or achy. Fencers are particularly susceptible to symptoms of fatigue and I’ll tell you why. After that we’ll talk about how to combat the fencing fatigue!

The Fencing Coach: A thank you letter

Fencing coach Alexander Maximovich with his students Chase Hauser and Dylan Black

Fencing coach Alexander Maximovich with his students Chase Hauser and Dylan Black

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. Much like teaching school, coaching can be a tough job that isn’t always appreciated as much as it should be. Coaching is a selfless act because unless you’re in the pros, you’re probably putting way more time into coaching than you are compensated for, and when you add in the heart and energy that you bring to the mix, you could truly never be paid enough.

Fencing Strategy: Is my child too aggressive or too passive on the fencing strip?

Young foil fencers try to find the right fencing strategy in the boutGood 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 who ask me whether their child is too aggressive or not aggressive enough, or why they don’t do that thing that the parent saw another fencer do. While these questions come from a positive place, the truth is, you can let it go and just watch.

Types of Fencing Competitions & Qualification Paths

Fencing Competition: November North America Cup (NAC) in Louisville, KY - Women's Cadet Epee

Fencing at November NAC in Louisville, KY – Women’s Cadet Epee

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 you don’t need to understand every little detail if you’re just getting started, it’s important to begin learning the terms and understanding the different types of competitions.

Let’s talk through the basic types of fencing competitions in the USA you can expect to encounter as your child begins to compete in fencing.

To Shake or Not to Shake: Should a cold impact whether you shake your opponent’s hand after a fencing bout?

Fencing hand shake is important ritual of traditional fencing etiquette

Fencing hand shake is important ritual of traditional fencing etiquette

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 completely neglect this traditional piece of fencing etiquette. You can always make sure to wash your hands after a bout, or keep a bathtub of Purell nearby if you’re worried about catching germs from your opponent. But if you’re the one spreading the germs and you truly believe it would be irresponsible to offer up your ungloved hand, there are a few alternatives you can try.

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