April 2019 - Academy of Fencing Masters Blog

Division Eligibility at Fencing Summer Nationals

What are the Division eligibility requirements for fencing in Division 1A, Division 2, and Division 3 at Fencing Summer Nationals?

A lot of fencers ask us how to determine when they can participate in Division 2 and Division 3 at Fencing Summer Nationals. It’s a question we typically hear from parents whose children get a higher rating during the season then the official Division eligibility that they want to compete in. Are they eligible to sign up? Are they not eligible to sign up? It can be confusing, to say the least.

Fencing as a Youth Sport – 13 Mind Blowing Facts

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 23, 2019

In For Parents

Fencing as a Youth Sport - 13 Mind Blowing Facts

Fencing doesn’t just happen in isolation, it’s part of the wider world of youth sports. There are millions of kids under the age of eighteen that participate in youth sports in the United States. There is a culture around kids competing that we fencers participate in, whether we are aware of it or not. Trends in youth sports affect us!

It’s worth exploring the trends in youth sports so as to give us a better understanding of where fencing is and where it’s going. So here are thirteen mind blowing facts about youth sports in general and fencing in particular to help you get the big picture.

*Facts and figures come from ESPN, USA Today, Time, and Sports Illustrated

How Fencing Breaks Down Cultural Barriers

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 16, 2019

In Spirit

How Fencing Breaks Down Cultural Barriers

Though fencers are at opposite ends of swords pointed at one another, they aren’t building opposition but connection. Sport in general offers us the chance to connect with one another, but fencing is something truly special. That’s thanks not only to the way that fencers interact with one another, but also with the way that fencing is structured in its competitive aspect.

Sports is the common denominator in the world that brings everyone together. If there’s any one place in the world where there is equality, it is probably sports. That was something that didn’t always exist. We’ve come a long way in sports. Why can’t society use sports as a way to bring people together and create change? – Stephen M. Ross

Fencing gives us the chance to break down cultural barriers.

Road to Tokyo – Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 9, 2019

In Rules and Regulations

Road to Tokyo - Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 The road to Tokyo starts here, April 2019.

People, even people within an Olympic sport, often wonder how exactly one makes it to the Olympic Games. This only happens once every four years, and between the years there are always changes that happen. In between, it can be hard to keep track of what’s what and how things are going to go.

This time around there are some critical changes that potentially have an effect on who will make the cut. If you’re new to following Olympic fencing qualification, then here we’re going to spell it out for you. If you’re not, then read on to find out the new changes.

Fencing Mindset – Afraid to Lose or Want to Win?

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 3, 2019

In Coaching, For Parents

Fencing Mindset - Afraid to Lose or Want to Win? Perspective is everything.

How a fencer thinks about fencing has a massive effect on how they perform. Two fencers who have the same amount of talent and skill can do dramatically differently in competition depending on how they think about it. It’s not only how many hours you put in in practice or what kind of equipment – how you frame your thinking about competition is equally as important.

On the other side of every fencing match are two options for the fencer:

A win.
A loss.

Are you driven to win or afraid to lose? While it might seem that both lines of thinking lead to the same end, that’s not entirely true. Which one you put the emphasis on changes how you feel, how you think, and how you fence. There is a huge difference between the two! One mindset is great for achievement, the other is terrible. How you approach the challenges and demands of fencing is critically important.

Which is which? Let’s talk about that.

Art of Fencing, Art of Life

Month: April 2019 Page 1 of 2

Asked and Answered – Division Eligibility at Fencing Summer Nationals

Fencing as a Youth Sport – 13 Mind Blowing Facts

How Fencing Breaks Down Cultural Barriers

Road to Tokyo – Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

Fencing Mindset – Afraid to Lose or Want to Win?