The Life Lessons of Fencing

When I first signed up for fencing I thought that it would just be a good way to get an easy credit for my physical education requirement. I did not realize that I would be consumed by a passion for the sport that would continue beyond Finals Week. As I learned more about the sport I realized that the sport can teach incredible lessons, as well as being fun and athletic.

The most important lesson every fencer should learn, if their coach is competent, is safety awareness. When you are given a piece of steel three feet long and told to hit someone with it I guess safety would be the first thing on your mind! Even dull and with a tip, the weapons can do some damage if mishandled. At all times the fencer must be aware of where the tip of her weapon is in relation to herself and others. Fencers are not encouraged to perform the "Hollywood" moves that include wild gesticulations. Indeed, it is stressed that they must only point their foils at someone wearing the proper safety gear, which is worn without exception when blades are crossed.

Respect is the second lesson a fencer learns. Fencers stand at attention and salute each other, as well as the referee and audience, before and after each bout. A refusal to salute brings an immediate and heavy penalty in competition. This honoring of one's opponent is integral to the tradition and practice of fencing. I am not saying there are not fencers out there who behave in a disrespectful and petty manner, only that the sport itself greatly condemns that behavior.

Control is vital to fencing. Fencers must control their bodies and their emotions in order to make the touch. A fencer who gets angry and loses focus will also lose the touch. A fencer who cannot control her weapon or her movements will neither attack nor defend with efficiency. Control also hearkens back to respect. A person who has control will be able to show respect to her opponent and referee even in the face of a loss or bad call.