There's a phenomenon I've observed time and again in our fencing community – one that rarely gets discussed openly but affects many young fencers. I call it "the early rating trap." Picture this: A 13-year-old fencer – let's call her Stella – bursts onto the scene...
It happened again last weekend during the March NAC. One of our fencers — talented, hard-working, technically sound — froze on the strip during a crucial DE. Not because their opponent was doing anything particularly brilliant. Not because they didn't know what to do....
In the world of international fencing, a remarkable story has unfolded over the past two decades - one that challenges traditional narratives about gender and sport. While many Olympic sports see men's events receive greater attention and prestige, American fencing...
Focus is the mechanism through which we make the most of our fencing. We have to be able to focus adequately in order to give our all, and coming up with the right focus is not always so straightforward. Athletes are always on the lookout for ways to up their...
We've all been there when we suddenly hit a plateau. That frustrating moment when progress seems to halt. When weeks of training yield no tangible improvements. When the rating that seemed just within reach remains stubbornly elusive for the entire season. When the...
It happened during a seemingly ordinary practice session. I overheard a conversation between one of our teenage fencers and their coach. They weren't discussing technique or competition strategy – they were talking about school troubles, friend dynamics, and the...
In one of the regional competitions, one of our girls told me - "I would feel embarrassed if I didn't succeed and lose the bouts. It will be especially big embarrassment if I lose to somebody weaker than me." These words stopped me in my tracks. Not because they were...
After achieving unprecedented success with the Japanese national epee team, Alexander Gorbachuk shocked the fencing world by accepting a new challenge in Kazakhstan. This transition, coming immediately after securing both individual Gold and team Silver medals at the...
The art of building and maintaining a world-class fencing team extends far beyond technical training and tactical preparation. It requires careful orchestration of team dynamics, strategic development of young talent, and the ability to make tough decisions that...
In the world of international fencing, few stories are as remarkable as Alexander Gorbachuk's transformation of Japanese epee. Over the past 15 years, his coaching has elevated Japan from a peripheral presence to an Olympic powerhouse, fundamentally reshaping the...
Do you want to receive timely updates from our blog and learn more about fencing? Sign up here, and you'll receive an email with the latest blog post after it's published.