What is the Real Job of Your Child’s Fencing Coach?

At first glance, the answer seems simple: to teach fencing.

But is that really all there is to it? Yes and no. Teaching fencing is undoubtedly a crucial part of the job – it’s the foundation, the bare minimum. After all, you wouldn’t want a fencing coach who can’t teach your child the sport. But it’s far from sufficient.

While the technical aspects of fencing instruction are vital, true coaching goes far beyond that. A great fencing coach is:

• A mentor who guides your child through life’s challenges, not just sport-specific ones
• A confidant they can trust with their struggles and victories, both big and small, and not only in fencing
• Someone who instills a deep sense of self-worth in your child, helping them recognize their unique value
• A builder of confidence, both in and out of the fencing environment
• A source of emotional support during the ups and downs of growing up and competing
• An investor in your child’s long-term development as a person, sometimes even at the expense of short-term athletic results
• A provider of positive feedback and reinforcement, helping your child grow from every experience
• A role model who demonstrates integrity, sportsmanship, and resilience
• A motivator who inspires your child to push beyond their perceived limits
• A teacher of life skills like discipline, time management, and goal-setting

A truly exceptional coach is someone your child can’t disappoint, even after a tough loss. It’s someone they know will help them learn and improve, no matter the situation.

The best fencing coaches see their work with your child as a privilege – an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact. Fencing becomes the vehicle for this impact, but it’s not always the end goal itself.

So, when you’re looking at your child’s fencing coach, ask yourself: Are they just teaching a sport, or are they helping to shape a confident, resilient, and well-rounded individual? Because that’s the true role of a great fencing coach.