Comments for The Fencing Coach

Comment on Fencing.net – The Fencing Coach’s Code of Honor by dlehfeldt

dlehfeldt — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:13:39 +0000

I based that on one of my favorite fencers, Ben Bratton’s approach to a bout. He comes at his opponents relentlessly, one touch at a time and exerts so much energy in every touch that the word “destroy” was what came to mind.

Comment on Fencing.net – The Fencing Coach’s Code of Honor by Laura E. Goodin

Laura E. Goodin — Thu, 30 May 2013 02:40:37 +0000

“Destroy”? Oh, come, now.

Comment on Fencing.net – Fanning the Flames of Sportsmanship by Low Carb Jabberwockey

Low Carb Jabberwockey — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:41:04 +0000

I really enjoyed this article. It was refreshing to discover when I started back fencing (after a 25 year hiatus) that the “card” system was implemented which is a start.

Comment on Using Non-Combativity as a Tactic by advice for bouts against an opponent who won't attack?

advice for bouts against an opponent who won't attack? — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:52:12 +0000

[...] get past their defense, what's the point in attacking them? Use non-combativity to your advantage. http://thefencingcoach.com/2012/12/2…y-as-a-tactic/ Check out my website, The Fencing Coach Like The Fencing Coach on Facebook please! [...]

Comment on An Open Letter to Fencing Parents by dlehfeldt

dlehfeldt — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:20:10 +0000

Paul, try to get a feel for if the club’s existence is based on collecting money or if it is out of joy for sharing the sport of fencing with others. Obviously, you want the latter. Look for a team oriented atmosphere, camaraderie, and most of all, are the people in the club having fun? That’s the kind of place you want to enroll your 11 year old.

Comment on Breaking Down the Film: 2012 NAC Division I Women’s Epee Gold Medal Bout—Maya Lawrence v. Ashley Severson by Jones sabo exceeded people presenting unhampered

Jones sabo exceeded people presenting unhampered — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:40:48 +0000

I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.

Comment on Ask Damien by dlehfeldt

dlehfeldt — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:48:37 +0000

James, thank you for asking. I’m humbled you would use that in a wedding speech. Please feel free to use that or any other articles at your leisure. Thank you for reading.

Comment on Ask Damien by James White

James White — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:33:04 +0000

Coach,
May I borrow heavily from your article on “Being a Good Teammate” for a reading at a wedding for two fencers? I will, of course, give credit where credit is due.

Thanks, James White

Comment on An Open Letter to Fencing Parents by Paul Licciardello

Paul Licciardello — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:35:09 +0000

Damien
Fantastic information for a parent of a child who is interested in starting fencing.What should our son and I look for when visiting potential fencing clubs. He is 11 years old.

Comment on Alen Hadzic and the Infinite Sadness by Paul

Paul — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 21:51:25 +0000

As a witness to the whole event, and a fencing parent, I have to say that Alen’s oath was one of the slightest infraction’s for which I have ever seen a red card handed out. Alen’s remark was not particularly loud (relatively, in a noisy gym), nor aimed in any way at his opponent. Of course we live in a society where attitudes towards profanity vary widely – and one would guess are somewhat correlated with age. I was outraged by the injustice of the call, but it was obvious that there was nothing to be done and it was time for Alen to move on.

Alen’s remark to the referee however was handing the referee a metaphorical blank check, as has been noted above, and it was no surprise that the referee responded in kind.

The “trial” of the bout committee was the fascinating to watch, the first I have ever seen in 15 years of watching fencing. I was far enough away that I couldn’t hear anything being said so there is nothing to be added here, except no witnesses were interviewed and no representation was available for either party (probably a good thing). Altogether a sad affair, but a lesson was learned I’m sure.