Though fencing is technically an individual sport, it’s always important for kids to build positive interactions and to learn how to navigate the world of people. After all, even though each child is on their own on the strip, they’re constantly surrounded by their teammates and other people. No one lives in isolation!
Individual sports like fencing don’t always give much energy or attention building a strong team culture, but it’s something that is really worth giving attention to. Fencing is built around the team structure, even as our competitors technically are fighting for themselves.
When fencers go to competition it is quite common for them to find themselves competing against their teammates, eliminating one another in order to advance. To keep hurt feelings at bay, it’s super important that they learn how to get along during those kinds of stressful times.
When we say “team” we mean a club, and not 3 or 4 fencers squad for a team competition. Members of a club practice together, sweat together, celebrate together and get through hard times together. When there’s a good team culture, there’s great camaraderie and just a beautiful nurturing of growth for fencers.