COMPETE, COMPETE, COMPETE!!!

Competitions help to gain experience. Whenever you get the chance, compete in a competition. Opens, (if you're a Y14 or up), local challenges, and RYCs are good competition. However, keep in mind that you are probably going to lose a lot in the beginning. Don't give up. Also, team tournaments are really fun and give lots of experience.

Don't give up!!!!!

When in competition, don't give up, even if you are losing. Just view it as a learning experience.

Staying calm while bouting

The next bout that you fence, you should try to focus on staying calm and controlled. If you really focus on staying calm while still keeping your head in the bout, it can drastically improve your fencing.

The Lunge

When lunging, your front knee should not pass your front foot. This can hurt your knee.

Get to competitions on time

When competing, get there around 35-45 minutes early so you can warm up and stretch. Also, get there before the registration time so you can get registered early and not worry about not being able to register because you were late.

Getting the Last Touch

When you are up by a few points and your next touch wins the bout, stay calm and finish the bout. It does not help you at all to get exited and jumpy. This will give your opponent a chance to hit you and you might lose the bout. If you stay calm, though, you have a chance of getting the last touch and winning the bout.

Two fencing students at the South Coast Fencing Center