Physical Chess. Many people use the “physical chess” metaphor when they are asked to describe fencing.
This comparison, while apt, often tricks us into overemphasizing the “chess” half of the analogy while skipping out on the “physical.” Fencing is a mental game. It demands focus, strategy, tactical execution, and incredible forethought. However, fencing is also a sport that requires power, flexibility, and speed.
Andy Ma has been named the new head coach for the University of Pennsylvania's fencing teams, replacing the retired David Micahnik. Ma comes to UPenn from the Fencing Academy of South Jersey in Cherry Hill where he has been President and head coach for the last 15 years.
The US Fencing Officials site has posted an update based on the latest decisions of the FIE Arbitrage Commission.
Starting now the phrase “non-correct” has been eliminated from the referee verbiage. Going forward we will use the phrase “sur la preparation” or in the preparation.
What is the personality of your fencing club? Are you workers or slackers? Do you train fencing, or play fencing? Are you an athlete building up for performance or in a rec league of sorts?
This is a post over at my blog where I talk about my views of a few types of clubs I've been at and get one coach's perspective.
During the past few years we've interviewed many of the top US and world fencers about how they approach the sport of fencing and what training techniques and strategies they use to succeed.
Every world class fencer has indicated the importance of a solid mental approach to fencing. Whether for performance in preliminary rounds or for the Olympic finals, a mastery of the mental game is a key component of the fencers' success.
I watched a video of me fencing and was horrified at the sight.
Physical Chess. Many people use the “physical chess” metaphor when they are asked to describe fencing. 
