Fencing, the Other Team Sport

Imagine you’re a young student attending the first-ever ‘team sports fair’ at your school. You walk into the gym and there are five ‘booths’ in front of you, each one manned by a head coach eager to get your attention and size you up for the team. So, what are the teams? Why, the usual suspects of course: football, baseball, basketball, soccer and–what’s this?–fencing? What’s Darth Vader and Jack Sparrow doing in my gym?

Welcome to fencing, the ‘other’ team sport. Misunderstood by most Americans. And irresistable to most kids who give it a try. As one of our 12-year-old fencers says, “It’s sports with a weapon. Who wouldn’t want to poke people and get away with it?” By the way, this fencer is ranked one of the best in the nation, for his age group. So what does he know that most student athletes do not?

Fencing is ‘physical chess,’ the perfect blend of physical and mental challenge. You stand toe to toe with your opponent–weapon in hand–with nowhere to run. And only one goal on your mind: to hit your opponent before he hits you. Sure, you have to be in extraordinarily good physical condition to succeed. But you literally have to think on your feet as well. Because above all, fencing is a game of outwitting your opponent, before he returns the favor. Fencers may be on a team, but when you’re on the strip ready to do battle, you’re on your own. Win or lose, it’s all up to you. For many student athletes, that’s the biggest rush of all.

So what makes a good fencer? Most fencers tend to think for themselves–on the strip and in life. They may play traditional team sports at school–often because their buddies do or their school requires it. But fencers prefer one-on-one competition above all else. Make no mistake: fencers are not loners. You’ll find few bonds stronger than the members of a fencing team rallying together to support each other, as well as the team overall. Rather, these kids just refuse to run with the herd. They’d much rather lead it. They’re not afraid to trust their own judgment and make tough decisions. On the strip, their very ‘lives’ depend on it.