Academy of Fencing Masters Blog

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. But because somewhere between the "Fence!" command and their first step, a voice in their head whispered: "You're going to mess this up. You always do against this fencer." Just a tiny, seemingly insignificant whisper of a...

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 tells a different tale. The meteoric rise of Team USA on the international stage has been led not by men, but by women who have redefined what's possible with a sword in hand, our American Queens of the strip. The Golden Revolution...

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 surprising - they weren't. But because they captured something so fundamentally true about our relationship with fencing, with competition, and with ourselves. Something we rarely talk about openly. This girl had already qualified...

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 balance immediate results with long-term success. In this second part of our conversation with Alexander Gorbachuk, we delve deep into the nuances of team management at the highest level of competitive fencing. From handling critical...

What a breathtaking year for American fencing it was in 2024! The Paris Olympics became our field of dreams, where years of dedication crystallized into an extraordinary four-medal haul that left the fencing world in awe. And while the rest of the world stands amazed, we in the US are ecstatic – and for good reason! Lee Keifer's journey to becoming the first American triple Olympic gold medalist spanned two Games - her individual gold in Tokyo 2020 blazed the trail for her double gold triumph...