Fencing.Net

News and Guides for the Sport of Fencing

Damien Lehfeldt

The Fencing Coach’s 2016 NCAA Fencing Championship Predictions

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Jonathan Yergler yelling at things.

For 99.9%, the month of March is associated with March Madness. For us geeky fencing types, the only thing that matters this month is March Stabness. 2016 brings 144 of our nation’s most talented fencers to my beloved alma mater, Brandeis University, where they will compete for individual titles, a team championship, and a coveted All-American slot. For those unaware of the … [Read more...] about The Fencing Coach’s 2016 NCAA Fencing Championship Predictions

In Loving Memory of Bob Cochrane (1948 – 2016)

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Bob Cochrane: 1949-2016. Image Courtesy of USA Fencing

Every fencer has a story about the glee, the comfort, and the joy that Bob Cochrane brought to his/her life. We can remember Bob Cochrane for his prowess on the strip. There were few fencers out there who had a more astute understanding of the tactics, timing, and mental game needed to win a bout. The long reach of Bob picked many of our wrists off over the years, and his … [Read more...] about In Loving Memory of Bob Cochrane (1948 – 2016)

Why Fencing Lessons are so Short

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Fencing Lessons are an Important Building Block for the Fencer. Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Private lessons are not a luxury in the sport of Fencing—they're a necessity, an investment in expanding the athlete’s repertoire, gaining an advanced tactical understanding, and building a bond with one’s coach. It’s no surprise that parents beginning in the sport have a healthy skepticism regarding their value, given their price and length. Lessons will typically range for … [Read more...] about Why Fencing Lessons are so Short

Op-Ed: Time for the FIE to Give a Black Card to Iran

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“Sport is a great equalizer that can build bridges, transcend borders and cultures, and render even the fiercest conflicts temporarily irrelevant.” -Richard Attias During the 2006 World Cup finals, Cote D’Ivoire was immersed in a brutal civil war that had claimed the lives of thousands of civilians, aid workers, and UN peacekeepers. With seemingly no end in sight, superstar … [Read more...] about Op-Ed: Time for the FIE to Give a Black Card to Iran

Putting a Sword Through Amateurism

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Race Imboden, a victim of amateurism. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.

“As I look back on my fencing career and the millions of dollars I was able to earn from it, I’m overjoyed that our sport presents so many opportunities for us to thrive as professional athletes and gain oodles of money. Wait, be right back. Nike’s calling me. I think they want to renew my endorsement deal.” -No One. Ever. “Amateurism can never succeed in a society which has … [Read more...] about Putting a Sword Through Amateurism