You’re at a fencing competition and you’ve had an amazing day. After training really hard, you are just sweeping the floor with your opponents, gliding through the pools and blasting your way through the DE. It’s been an incredible day, and you’re so excited about the...
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Rules and Regulations
Junior Olympics (JO’s) – The Last Stretch to Qualify
In just three months, the fencing community will gather for the highly anticipated Junior Olympics (JO’s) during the Presidents' Weekend in Charlotte, NC (2/16-19/2024). Beyond being the pinnacle of Cadet and Juniors National Championships, JO's serve as the ultimate...
Fencing vs. Other Combat Sports – Which One is Right for You?
Though we as a society, in general, have moved away from coming to blows to solve our interpersonal problems the way that people used to duel in the old days, combat sports are more popular than ever. Combat sports have actually captivated people throughout history,...
How USFA can Transform Team Fencing in the U.S. (And Why We Must)
Right now, the everyday domestic vocabulary of American fencing is in the individual context. No one who thinks of fencing in any context thinks of it as being a multiple-player sport, at least not anyone in America. This is different in other places. In European...
Fencing Referee Hand Signals (Infographic)
There are several essential components to a fencing match. One consists of the fencers themselves, who are vying for points. Another are the weapons, those things that make the points possible. And the final essential component to a fencing bout is the person who...
Power in the Ballot – Why and How Fencing Parents Should Join USA Fencing by February 1, 2023
There is power in the ballot. Investing ourselves in the process of who and how are running the things that matter is important and for us in this context, that means USA Fencing. Though it can seem like we are unable to affect the big machines of organizations...
An Open Letter to the USA Fencing Board of Directors Regarding Y10 & Y12 National Events
Dear USA Fencing Board of Directors, The push and pull of the responsibilities of USA Fencing is significant, particularly as our sport has grown and of course through the massive challenges of the pandemic. It’s critical that we look out for the future of our...
Understanding the National Ranking System in Fencing
On its surface, the national ranking system employed in fencing can look pretty confusing. However, understanding and using the National Points List is crucial to advancing in competition and growing as a fencer. The more you understand how national points are...
How to Put Your Name on a Fencing Jacket
One of the major milestones that a fencer takes comes when they get their name put on their jacket. This is a mark showing that they are not only committed to fencing, but that they are invested in competition to a level of showing the world that they are here for the...
Qualification Update: 2023 Fencing Summer Nationals
We’re already in the thick of the 2022-23 fencing season, and that means it’s time to start thinking about those long-term goals surrounding Fencing Summer Nationals next year. This year, there are more opportunities than ever to qualify for the tournament, and with...