As a fencing coach and parent, I’ve encountered countless situations where parents find themselves caught in what I call the “Chicken-and-Egg Dilemma” of fencing development. It’s a frustrating cycle that often leaves both parents and young fencers feeling stuck, unsure of how to move forward. Today, I want to dive deep into this problem, share some real-life stories, and offer a perspective that might change how you approach your child’s growth in fencing.

The Chicken-and-Egg Dilemma Defined

The following situation is quite common – a parent approaches their child’s coach after a fencing class, concern etched on their face. They say, “Coach, my daughter is not taking private lessons yet. We know it’s not enough for her to really improve, but we’re hesitant to commit to more until we see some progress. We don’t mind adding lessons – single, double, whatever it takes – but we need to see results first. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense to invest more time and money.”

This dilemma extends far beyond just private lessons. Parents often find themselves hesitating on various aspects of their child’s fencing journey:

• Should we take two lessons instead of one or make it double? Clearly, kids with more lessons show visible progress, but should I invest now if my child isn’t there yet as other kids?
• Should we send our child to that expensive fencing camp or wait until they show more promise?
• Is signing up for a national competition worth it when they’re still struggling in regional events?
• Should we invest in better equipment now or wait until they’ve “earned” it through improved performance?
• Do we need to increase their training schedule, or is their current routine enough until we see more progress?

Each of these decisions represents a crossroads where parents must choose between investing in potential and waiting for proof of progress. It’s a classic chicken-and-egg situation—which comes first, the investment or the results?

Sound familiar? This is the essence of the Chicken and Egg Dilemma in fencing development. What should come first – more resources and opportunities to drive improvement, or visible improvement to justify increased investment?

The Flawed Logic

On the surface, this cautious approach might seem reasonable. After all, we’re taught to be prudent with our investments, to look for returns before doubling down. But when it comes to our children’s development in fencing, this logic can be counterproductive. Here’s why:

• Fencing Isn’t Math: As I’ve said before, sport isn’t math. There’s no simple equation where A (hours of training) + B (private lessons) + C (getting the right equipment) = Fencing Champion. The journey in fencing is individual and rarely follows a straight line.
• Progress Isn’t Linear: Fencers don’t develop in a straight line. Sometimes, progress happens in bursts after periods of apparent stagnation. What looks like a plateau might actually be a crucial period of consolidation. By waiting for visible progress before increasing support, we might be missing critical windows of opportunity for growth.
• Foundation Building Takes Time: Often, the most crucial developments are happening beneath the surface, building a foundation for future visible progress. Those early lessons, camps, or competitions might not translate immediately to results, but they’re laying the groundwork for future success. Delaying these experiences can significantly slow a fencer’s overall development.
• Consistency is Key: Regular, sustained practice and exposure to fencing is often more important than intensity in the early stages of skill development. Sporadic or limited engagement can hinder progress. By waiting to increase involvement, we may be unintentionally creating gaps in our child’s fencing education.
• Motivation Matters: Young fencers who feel supported and see their parents’ commitment are often more motivated to push through challenges. Hesitation can be sensed and may impact a child’s own dedication. A lukewarm approach from parents can inadvertently dampen a child’s enthusiasm for the sport.
• Burden of Expectation: When investment is contingent on results, it can create an unhealthy pressure on the child. They may feel obligated to perform or improve quickly, which can lead to stress and potentially burnout. This pressure can turn what should be an enjoyable journey into a source of anxiety.
• Missing Critical Experiences: Fencing is not just about lessons and practice. Competitions, camps, and other fencing-related experiences play a crucial role in a young fencer’s development. By waiting to provide these opportunities, we may be depriving our children of valuable learning experiences, exposure to different fencing styles, and the chance to build confidence and resilience.
• The Compounding Effect: In fencing, as in many areas of life, early investments often compound over time. Skills learned early on become the foundation for more advanced techniques. The experience acquired in early competitions fuels performance in later ones. By delaying full support, we may be unknowingly limiting our child’s long-term potential in the sport.

Understanding these aspects of fencing development helps us see why the “wait and see” approach can be detrimental. Instead of holding back until we see progress, we need to trust the process and provide consistent support from the beginning. This doesn’t mean blindly throwing resources at fencing, but rather working closely with coaches to create a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to our child’s fencing journey.

The Right Approach

So, what’s the solution to this dilemma? It’s simple, yet powerful: Give young fencers the right resources and tools to succeed from the very beginning. Here’s how:

• Consult with Your Child’s Coach: This should be your first step. Fencing coaches have seen countless young fencers develop. They understand your child’s abilities, potential, and mental stage much better than you might think. What seems like a “special” situation to you is likely a familiar scenario for them. Have an open, honest discussion about your child’s development path.
• Adequate Training Time: Based on your coach’s advice, provide enough structured learning time for fencing skills to develop and take root. This often means a combination of private lessons and group classes, tailored to your child’s age and stage of development.
• Proper Equipment: Ensure they have the right tools, from well-fitted fencing gear to appropriate weapons. Don’t wait for “success” to invest in quality equipment.
• Opportunities for Practice: Create an environment that allows for regular practice and application of skills. This might mean setting up a home practice area or ensuring regular attendance at open fencing sessions.
• Exposure to Competition: Allow them to participate in competitions that inspire and challenge them, even if they’re not “winning” yet. Experience is invaluable in fencing.
• Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and show your commitment to their fencing journey, regardless of immediate visible progress or results.

Breaking Down Barriers

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “But what about the financial aspect? What if we can’t afford multiple lessons or expensive equipment?”

This is a valid concern, and it’s important to address. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Long-Term Planning: Sit down with your coach and strategize a multi-year approach. The needs of an 8-year-old fencer are very different from those of a 14-year-old. Plan for gradual investment increases that align with your child’s developmental stages, not just results.
• Prioritize: Sometimes, it means making tough choices about where to allocate resources. One well-supported activity might be more beneficial than multiple under-supported ones.
• Balanced Competition Schedule: Discuss with your club the appropriate ratio of local, regional, and national competitions from both a developmental and budget perspective. Not every young fencer needs to attend national events right away.
• Create Home Practice Routines: Work with your child’s fencing coach to develop effective home practice strategies that maximize the benefit of formal lessons.
• Start Small, But Smart: Even if you can’t provide everything at once, start with a well-thought-out plan that includes regular, consistent engagement with fencing.

Ultimately, overcoming the Chicken-and-Egg Dilemma requires a shift in mindset. Instead of thinking, “We’ll invest more when we see results,” try this perspective: “We’ll provide the best possible foundation for success, and trust in the process of growth.”

This doesn’t mean blindly throwing resources at every passing interest. It means having thoughtful discussions with your child and their coach about commitments to fencing, setting clear expectations, and then fully supporting their efforts.

Balancing Support and Expectations

As parents, it’s crucial to balance your support with realistic expectations. While it’s important to provide resources and opportunities, it’s equally vital not to burden your child with the pressure of immediate results.

• Focus on the process rather than outcomes. Celebrate effort, learning, and small improvements rather than just victories.
• Understand that development in fencing is a long-term journey. What matters most is consistent engagement and gradual progress, not early triumphs.
• Trust in the expertise of coaches and the developmental process. Your role is to provide support, not to micromanage your child’s fencing career.
• Keep communication open with your child. Ensure that fencing remains an enjoyable pursuit, not a burden of expectation.

Empowering Growth in Fencing

I want to emphasize this key point again: Do not make providing fencing resources conditional on seeing ability. That’s not how growth works in our sport, especially for young fencers.

Instead, approach your child’s fencing development with a mindset of empowerment. Provide them with the resources they need, create an environment conducive to learning and practice, and offer unwavering support.

Your child has incredible potential in fencing. By solving the Chicken-and-Egg Dilemma in favor of early, comprehensive support, you’re not just nurturing a specific skill – you’re teaching them the value of commitment, the power of consistent effort, and the joy of growth in our beautiful sport.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering whether to wait for progress or provide more support in your child’s fencing journey, remember: in the world of fencing development, it’s our job to provide the eggs, the chicken, and the entire farm. Give them the tools, and watch them soar on the fencing strip.

Image: Ruben Alexander