Deep Dive - Fencing Sport

Step onto the polished floors of the salle d'armes during the "Grand Siècle" of Louis XIV. This era wasn't just about opulent fashion and grand palaces; it was a crucial period that laid the significant groundwork for modern sport fencing. We'll explore how changes in fashion at the court, particularly in the latter half of the 17th century, led to the abandonment of the long rapier in favor of the short and light court sword (épée...

This episode takes you inside a recent, highly contentious House Oversight subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill, which grappled with the heated debate surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports. The hearing titled "Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" featured powerful testimony from individuals on opposing sides of this complex issue.

You'll hear directly from athletes who shared their person...

Explore the vital work of the Nick Itkin Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to the sport of fencing in the Los Angeles community. Learn how the foundation is addressing the high costs associated with fencing, which often make it inaccessible, by breaking down financial barriers and fostering inclusivity for youth from diverse backgrounds. Discover the impact of their programs, including free weekly ...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the complaint and hearing procedures that keep USA Fencing fair, safe, and accountable. Whether you’re a fencer, parent, coach, or club official, understanding how grievances are handled-from filing a complaint to the final appeal-is crucial for everyone in our community. We’ll break down the types of complaints you can file, what happens during a hearing, the rights of everyone involved...

Welcome to the podcast dedicated to navigating the world of USA Fencing! Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a budding young fencer, a dedicated coach, or an enthusiastic parent, this podcast will delve into the essential aspects of the sport as outlined in the USA Fencing resources.

We'll explore the clarified qualification pathways for major national championships, including Division I and Division IA, drawing from the January 2...

This episode dives into the controversial "fencing Turner transgender case" that has ignited a fierce debate within the sports community. We examine the events of March 30, 2025, at the Cherry Blossom Open in Maryland, where female fencer Stephanie Turner was disqualified for refusing to compete against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender opponent.

We explore Turner's perspective, who stated her protest was based on concerns about fairn...

This episode delves into the common challenge faced by young fencers: the difficulty of replicating their training performance during the pressure of competition. Coaches often understandably become frustrated when athletes struggle to apply what they've practiced. As highlighted in the sources, this isn't solely a coaching issue but a deeply human one, influenced by investment and even projected experiences.

The episode explores th...

Have you ever wondered just how physically taxing a sport like épée fencing truly is? In this episode, we delve into the crucial elements that define an épée fencer's athletic load, drawing insights from Michel Sicard's analysis of the competition situation. We'll break down the two key components: external load, which examines the actual fighting time during a competition, revealing surprising statistics about the intermittent nat...

Unleash your inner duelist! In this episode, we delve into the fascinating history of the épée, tracing its evolution from a deadly dueling weapon to its esteemed place in modern sport fencing. Discover how the épée's unique design and rules, where the entire body is a valid target and only the tip scores, demand precision, strategy, and a "warrior mindset".

Veteran fencer Thomas Ferriere explores what this mental stance truly mean...

Dive into the intricate world of épée fencing and the competitive mindset with insights from "The Competition Situation VAF." This episode explores why competition is not just about the final score, but a complex journey of strategy, adaptation, and personal growth. We delve into the crucial distinction between "performance" – the entire process from training to competition – and "result" – the simple win or loss.

Discover why under...

This episode delves into the crucial psychological aspects that can determine a fencer's success, especially in competitive settings.

Fencing Family ETSY Shop: https://fencingfamily.etsy.com/

This episode draws on a comprehensive analysis of fencers' stories and insights from various sources, including forums, websites, and Reddit, tailored for a US-based audience of fencers, their parents, and veteran fencers. We aim to offer a rich...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of fencing and the science behind it. We explore how fencing impacts the brain, focusing on neuromotor development in young fencers and how long-term training can alter arm selection and performance.

• We'll discuss how neuromotor skills like balance, coordination, and reaction speed are crucial for fencing proficiency.
• Learn about the progressive training frameworks used to deve...

This episode covers the highlights from the USA Fencing Board of Directors meeting on February 15, 2025, held during the Junior Olympics in Charlotte, N.C. The board tackled a wide range of topics, including:

• Y8 Tournament Format: Updates to the Y8 format were approved, allowing fencers to use #0 or #2 blades and giving local organizers more flexibility. The board addressed feedback and collaborated with the Tournament Committee a...

Join us as we dive into the crucial topic of spotting concussion signs in young athletes. This episode breaks down the key physical, cognitive, and emotional indicators parents should look out for.

Learn the essential steps to take if you suspect a concussion, and understand why these symptoms are merely a warning sign—not a definitive diagnosis.

Empower yourself with expert insights and actionable guidelines to keep your child saf...

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in the world of fencing. Discover how AI is revolutionizing everything from administrative efficiencies and personalized member services to tournament operations and athlete training. We explore innovative strategies that merge the time-honored traditions of fencing with cutting-edge technology, creating a dynamic landscape for the sport’s future...

This episode focuses on strategies for high school fencers to excel in the college application process. The webinar features experienced former admissions officers from InGenius Prep, who provide insights on how to make a college application stand out.

Fencing Family ETSY Shop: https://fencingfamily.etsy.com/

Key topics include:

• Understanding the college application process, emphasizing the importance of regional selection and aca...

This episode delves into the innovative research project TrainYourBrain, which explores the critical role of mental training in elite fencing. The project, coordinated by Julie Doron at Nantes University, addresses the unique mental challenges faced by fencers. These include long competition days with matches lasting between two and fifteen minutes, interspersed with waiting times exceeding one hour. These conditions can lead to me...

This podcast episode will explore the RIPOSTE program, a groundbreaking initiative that uses adapted fencing to improve the lives of breast cancer patients.

The episode will delve into the RIPOSTE trial, a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the program's effectiveness... The trial compares two groups: one that receives immediate post-surgical fencing sessions and another that receives delayed sessions.

Listeners will le...

This episode presents ten guiding principles for fencing parents, emphasizing the importance of support, encouragement, and respect for the child's journey in the sport. This episode provides valuable insights for parents navigating the world of fencing, promoting a positive and supportive environment for their children. It emphasizes the importance of:

• Encouraging without pressuring, focusing on the child’s improvement and enjo...