Any male fencer that has been training for some time has experienced the uncomfortable moment when he takes an ill-placed hit below the belt—it hurts! It’s actually worse for beginners because the less experienced fencers often think that the stronger the stab, the...
We've often discussed the cost of fencing equipment, where to buy, and how to make the right choices at any particular time in a fencer’s career. I’m passionate about making fencing as cost-efficient as possible so that the most people are able to participate and...
As we head towards the spring, Fencing Summer Nationals in San Jose will be here before we know it! For Youth fencers that hope to compete, it’s important for parents to be aware of the qualification paths that explain how your child can qualify for the competition....
Should you encourage your young fencer to practice fencing target training at home? Well, there are a couple things to consider, but the answer is “yes.” Devoted athletes don’t wait for the next scheduled lesson to get better. They create ways to get better. That can...
In almost every sport, the footwear you choose can greatly affect your performance. Your feet can take a lot of abuse and it’s important to have the right support where you need it. This is especially true when it comes to fencing. Fencing.net provides this fantastic...
Often when I attend a youth competition, especially for the Y10 and Y12 age categories, I see a lot of fencers that definitely do not look 10 or 12 years old, but rather much bigger and more developed. Sometimes they are so much bigger that I have joked with other...
We ran into some confusion last month at a Men’s Junior Olympic Qualifier that resulted in red cards and damage to fencers’ uniforms, and it was all due to an inaccurate rule enforcement! The rules in fencing are often very strict because of the sport’s noble...
No one likes to lose, but it happens. It's important to face this reality head on when it comes to parenting an athlete. Your child winning their first fencing competition is not impossible, but it's very unlikely. As a matter of fact, your child may not win a bout...
Nothing is harder than the first time you see your child really upset over something you can’t control. It’s one thing to deal with tantrums over broken toys or bedtime, but when it’s something they are more invested in, it can be heartbreaking. When you watch your...
This post is for fencers who currently compete in the Division 1, Junior, and Cadet age groups, or plan to at the 2015 Fencing Summer Nationals. Those of us in Northern California have been getting excited about having Summer Nationals so close to home in 2015. For...
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