I recently came across an intriguing idea about car maintenance that struck a chord with me. The concept goes like this: Deciding to fix a big dent in a car isn’t perplexing – it’s an obvious choice. But it’s the little dents that present a dilemma. Do we fix them, or learn to live with them? I believe this resonates with almost everybody – how often have you had these little dents in your car and when trying to fix it in a body shop, to your unpleasant disappointment, the cost of fixing this small dent was almost as expensive as the cost of fixing quite a big blow on your car body?

And are you going to fix every little dent every time your car got them, or live with them for a while (or forever) until one day you say enough is enough?

The reason that this analogy resonated with me is because there are similar dilemmas in fencing – do we need to fix these small mistakes, the ‘little dents’ in the analogy above, or learn to live with them? And when should we say enough is enough and address them?

In fencing, these ‘little dents’ can take many forms. Maybe it’s a lunge that’s just a tad too short, or a stance that’s slightly off-balance. Perhaps it’s hand positioning that’s not quite textbook, or footwork that lacks that last bit of precision. At first glance, these minor flaws might seem inconsequential, especially if you’re winning matches and even excelling in competitions. It’s tempting to overlook these small issues, much like one might ignore a tiny scratch on a car’s surface.

But here’s where it gets tricky. Just like with car dents, the decision to address these technical issues isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, these little quirks in technique can actually work in a fencer’s favor. We all have seen fencers with slightly unorthodox stances throw their opponents off balance, or those with a unique hand position that allows for lightning-fast attacks. In these cases, what might be considered a ‘dent’ by traditional standards actually becomes a strategic advantage.

On the flip side, some small issues can snowball into bigger problems if left unchecked. A slightly off-kilter stance might not cause issues now, but over time, it could lead to balance problems or even injuries. Or consider a minor flaw in hand positioning – it might not affect your basic attacks, but it could limit your ability to execute more complex techniques as you advance in the sport.

This is where the role of a good coach becomes crucial. A skilled coach in fencing is like a trusted mechanic for your car. They have the experience to identify which ‘dents’ need immediate attention and which ones might actually be beneficial quirks. They can help prioritize which issues to address first and develop training strategies that work with your natural tendencies while correcting critical flaws.

But it’s not just about relying on your coach. As fencers, we need to develop our own awareness. It’s about learning to recognize these ‘little dents’ in our technique and understanding their impact. Are they making certain moves harder? Are they limiting our tactical options? Or are they part of what makes our fencing style unique and effective?

This self-awareness doesn’t come overnight. It’s a skill developed over time, through practice, competition, and honest self-reflection. It’s about paying attention to the details of your performance, not just the end results. You might be winning bouts, but are there certain opponents or styles that consistently give you trouble? Do you feel some nagging pain or tiredness in your back after long bouting? These and other similar issues could be a clue that one of your ‘little dents’ needs attention.

The journey to mastery in fencing involves finding a balance. On one hand, we strive for technical excellence, always working to refine and improve our form. On the other hand, we need to be practical and recognize that some variations from textbook technique might actually serve us well.

So, what do we do with all this talk about ‘little dents’ in fencing?

Here’s my take: Just like with our cars, we can’t obsess over every tiny imperfection in our fencing. It’d drive us crazy, not to mention drain our wallets (or in fencing terms, our time and energy, and well, money too). But we also can’t ignore everything until our technique is so full of dents it barely resembles proper form anymore.

The trick is finding that sweet spot. Some issues, like those that could lead to injury or are holding back your progress, need to be addressed head-on. Others might just be part of what makes your fencing uniquely yours.

The key is to be honest with yourself (and your coach). Take a good look at your technique regularly. Are those ‘little dents’ just cosmetic, or are they starting to affect how you fence? Are they making certain moves harder, or even impossible?

Remember, every fencer’s journey is different. What works for your teammate might not work for you. It’s about finding what helps you fence your best, safely and effectively.

In the end, perfect technique is a bit like a perfectly maintained car – it’s a great goal, but it’s not always practical in the real world. What matters is that you’re aware of your ‘dents’, you know which ones need fixing, and you’re always working on being the best fencer you can be.

Keep at it, and don’t let the little things throw you off your game. After all, a few ‘dents’ here and there just show you’ve been putting in the work on the piste.

Image: Thomas R Machnitzki