I've been thinking alot about the GMU fencing program lately, considering how busy I've been with it, and how well its going. There is one thing that is kind of troubling. Not really about the club, but more about the fencing community...

Often when I mention the GMUFC to established coaches or fencers in VA or else where, other people will scoff at it. This always surprises me, no matter how many times it happens. I can't believe that people in the fencing community, especially coaches, would disrespect us because of our situation.

People see that we have only been around for a year, that I am doing the coaching, that we don't have 30 or 40 people, that we don't have electrics, and they roll their eyes at us/me. People don't see the huge upside of what is going on at GMU.

I am personally offended by their reaction when they find out that I am doing the coaching. I readily admit Im not the best coach. I'm only an E07 in both foil and epee, so I haven't had much competitive success in my fencing career. That doesn't mean that I don't bring alot to the table as a coach. A few days ago when we had 9 new people who had never done anything related to fencing, it went very well. My goal was accomplished for the day.

My goals for the new fencers that day (in order) were:
1: Have fun.
2: Do a simple extension with a blade, to an opponent.
3: Learn the very basics of footwork.

And all of these were accomplished. Some of you might be very surprised I let people do blade work on the first day. I think almost everyone that came out, did so because they wanted to play with swords. I felt it very important that every fencer get to do something with a blade the first day. If all they did was footwork, I think many of them would not have really enjoyed it, and they would not return. I think one of the biggest goals has to be to retain the fencers. If they don't have fun, they will not return.

I think I do a very good job managing the coaching needs of a club like GMUFC. When I asked every single new fencer if they were going to return to the next practice, they were all very enthusiastic in affirming. I think that is my biggest strength as a coach. Being able to make people enjoy fencing, and want to come back. Especially in college when everyone is very busy.

Some of the new fencers came out to practice this morning (9am-10:30). I think this demonstrates how well we are doing. When a fencer who had only been to one practice, is willing to get up very early (by college standards) to come fence, I feel that I as a coach am doing very well.


In general, I am very happy with the GMUFC, because of what we are doing. We are doing some things that almost no clubs do. We are giving people a chance to experience fencing with ZERO cost to them. How many clubs can say that? We aren't even like the class at mason in fencing, because you pay for one credit hour to the university (like 800$ for out of state, 200$ in state). Now that the university is funding us, and we have club equipment, it does not cost students a penny to come out and learn to fence. And I think that is a GREAT thing.

It may not be the best gear, or the best coaching, or the best competition. But it is fencing. And we are exposing more people to it. Isn't that the ultimate goal of any fencing organization? To grow the sport, and expose more people to it. I love the program at mason, because these are people who wouldn't ever try fencing otherwise.

So to any coaches who scoff at us for not being the greatest club, I am surprised that you would mock us for growing the sport. I am surprised you would laugh at us for teaching people to fence without ANY expense to them. I am surprised that you would oppose the expansion of the sport that pays your bills.

But to those people who have supported us, including a few very nice coaches who offer their support and advice, as well as the huge support of Blue Gauntlet Fencing.

Thank you.


We will continue to grow and improve, and hopefully create some good fencers.

I can't wait for the day when a fencer we have taught to fence beats the fencer of a coach who scoffs at us...


Thanks for reading,
Chris...