When Christine, mom of our fencer Tessa, learned that the 2024 Fencing Summer Nationals would take place in Columbus, she shared the news with her friend who resides in the area. Excited to help Christine and her family make the most of their time in Columbus, her friend generously crafted a detailed guide to local attractions and activities within a 1-2 hour driving distance. Recognizing the value of this insider knowledge, Christine wondered if it could be shared with the broader fencing community. What makes this guide particularly special is that it’s unedited, giving it a genuine flavor ..read more

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 progress you’ve made.  Did you earn a new rating? Yes?! You did! That’s amazing. As soon as you get home, you pull out your computer and log onto USA Fencing’s website to excitedly see your new rating there in black and white. You can’t wait. But now comes the waiting game – when will your rating be updated in the system ..read more

If you’ve recently participated in any national-level tournaments this season, you’ve probably observed a notable trend: the rise of double-flighted events. Typically, the Bout Committee releases all pool assignments the night before. Usually, two-flighted events occur for the morning rounds, with the first flight starting at 8 am and the second at 9:30 am. During these events, approximately half to two-thirds of the pools comprise the first flight, commencing at 8 am, while the second flight begins at 9:30 am. Fencers participating in the second flight must register by 9:30 am, eliminating ..read more

Starting fencing as an adult or even as a senior citizen opens up a world of possibilities, but it also comes with its own set of considerations. While this blog primarily focuses on youth fencing and parenting topics, recent requests from adult and senior fencers have prompted us to delve into their specific needs. Fencing is not a hobby you can master overnight: it’s a lifelong journey. Unlike some other activities, you can’t become a proficient fencer in a short period of time. While it’s possible to take a short course and discover that fencing isn’t for you (unfortunately, this might ha ..read more

The life cycle on this planet follows its inevitable course, and we inevitably bid farewell to friends as they depart from this world. Yet, some leave behind a profound impact—a legacy of kindness, mentorship, and gentle guidance. When such individuals depart, they leave a void in our hearts, and disbelief clouds our minds. For me, Alexei Sintchinov was one such person. Every competition brought an opportunity for us to meet and engage in lengthy conversations. His words were always filled with wisdom and delivered with kindness. Whether it was at a national competition or a regional event ..read more

In a competition in Washington DC, I witnessed a situation that immediately prompted me to write a post about it. Unfortunately, this is all too common in our sport, and I’ve never seen a competition without it. However, this time, the girl put it so eloquently in her response that I felt compelled to write about it. It was a tense moment during a fencing match. A young athlete, let’s call her Sarah, found herself locked in a fierce Direct Elimination bout. As she faced her opponent, her coach offered guidance and encouragement from the sidelines. But alongside the coach stood her mother, ea ..read more

In the ongoing dialogue surrounding the evolving role of women in society, one domain where their influence shines brightly and undeniably profound is the world of fencing. Once viewed through the lens of male dominance, fencing has undergone a remarkable transformation, with women asserting their presence and prowess alongside men. Visit any local fencing club and any fencing competition at local, regional, national, and international levels, and you’ll witness a vibrant community where women and girls make up nearly half of the members, showcasing their skill, dedication, and passion for t ..read more

Recently, I stumbled upon a story about Jacqueline Du Pre that struck a chord deep within me. It encapsulated everything I aspire to instill in my fencers—a passion for the sport that transcends mere competition and embraces the sheer joy of participation. Du Pre was undeniably one of the most accomplished cellists in the world, driven by a profound love for music that ignited her passion from a young age. Her relentless dedication led her to countless hours of practice, each session filled with pure enjoyment and fulfillment.  At age 6, Jacqueline attended her first music competition ..read more

Dear Fencing Community, I’ve just launched a petition that speaks to the hearts of fencers, parents, coaches, and clubs across the nation. This petition is a rallying cry for an immediate revision of the Summer Nationals schedule, and here’s why it’s so crucial. The scheduling of national-level competitions has become riddled with issues that demand urgent attention. Take, for example, the April NAC in Men’s Epee, where the Senior Team event overlaps with Junior Men’s Epee. This year, we see a staggering drop in participation, with only 8 registered teams compared to the 30 teams that fenced ..read more

Confidence in fencing is like that elusive goalpost in a game you’re always chasing after but never quite reach. It’s the magic ingredient that transforms a good fencer into a great one. You’ve probably heard fencing coaches shouting it from the sidelines like a mantra: “Confidence! Be confident!” But what exactly does it mean? And how do you actually get it? Let me share a recent conversation I had with some of my fencers. They were disheartened after being eliminated from their competition earlier in the day. I reassured them that they possessed all the necessary physical skills and condit ..read more