how to focus?

[KAsia]

Hey
As most fencers know fencing is a very mental game. I often have trouble at tournaments to focus properly and be on my game.
What do you do to help your focus that could help me?
thanks

[Kat]

You must remember in competitions not to rush because this doesn't allow you to focus or develop your best fencing. During the bout, if you have trouble focusing, just take a few seconds to catch your breath and relax (walk up to the end of the piste, tie shoes, do hair etc.) in this way, gamesmanship can help you to compose. Also, don't think about winning the bout or what will happen if you win/lose. Concentrate only on the next point and what is happening at present.

In terms of pre-bout relaxation and focus, just try to forget about all distractions and focus on your game, or observe your opponents to work out a game plan (i.e. look at the things they do badly and the things they do well).

Hope this helps a bit.

[Sabresque]

Definitly only focus on a touch by touch basis. Don't let your thoughts stray to "I have to win this bout". It's not about winning the BOUT, it's about winning the next TOUCH. Also, you can if you want to try and develop a habit of doing a certain action (such as tapping your weapon on the gound lightly once) as a sort of action to signal regaining concentration. I'm not sure That made sense, but as you fence, it should improve. In fencing, you can't look at the big picture, but you need to find one small thing at a time to concentrate on.