These fencers train three to four times per week compete in all level competitions including international world cups representing the US in individual and team events. They do extra physical training activities on the off fencing days in a gym or a track. Training specificity is the key factor in today’s training model for elite athletes. Workouts for high-level fencers must be specific to what they actually do during bouting.

Before the season starts students set yearly goals for technique, skill acquisition and all level competitive placements. In addition they need to document the cross-training and other sports that they are doing. They track the nutritional and fluid intake habits for competitions and for training days. They must evaluate if it is adequate for protein, carbohydrates and rehydration. Fencers need weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly and long-term goals. At every practice, they select an outcome they want to work towards or achieve by the end of practice.

Usually starts in the intermediate level. After working hard at the club to acquire skills and train for conditioning most fencers move into competition to test their abilities. If the fencers choose to compete, we encourage them to acquire experience and have fun. There are many local, regional youth circuits, super regional youth circuits, National North America Cups, and National Championships. We send a coach to most competitions to teach the parents how to support their fencers and help the fencers get their best results. The coach will observe and council the fencers on how to improve and handle the competitive situations that occur.

Cadet World Cup Eislingen, Germany – Rob coaches the men’s sabre team to the silver medal.

After each competition, there is a debriefing back at the club to process what fencers have learned, what they did well, what they could have done better, and what they need to work on going forward.