Why respect is important on the strip and how to handle wins and losses gracefully.
Close your eyes and imagine two fencers stepping onto the strip. They both salute each other and the referee, showing respect before the match even begins. Then, they fence with skill and determination. Once it’s over, they remove their masks, shake hands, and offer kind words—no matter who won or lost. This is the spirit of fencing etiquette.
A Quick Story: Kayla’s Close Match
Kayla had practiced for weeks. She knew all her footwork, lunges, and parries by heart. Finally, the day of her local tournament arrived, and she felt a mix of excitement and butterflies in her stomach.
Her first match was intense—both fencers scored point after point. In the end, Kayla narrowly lost by a single touch. She felt tears threatening to spill out, but she remembered her coach’s advice: “Win or lose, we show respect.”
Kayla took a deep breath, removed her mask, and shook her opponent’s hand. “Good bout!” she said. Her opponent smiled back. Even though Kayla was disappointed, she still felt proud of how she handled it. The coach gave her a thumbs-up, and she realized sportsmanship is just as important as skill.
Respect on the Strip
1. Start and End with a Salute
A small, respectful gesture that sets a positive tone. It’s like saying, “Let’s do our best and have a fair match!”
2. Listen to the Referee
The referee is there to keep everything fair and safe. Even if you don’t agree with a call, respect the decision and focus on the next point.
3. Treat Opponents Kindly
They’re not your enemies; they’re fellow fencers who love the sport just as much as you do. Congratulate them on a good move or match.
4. Handle Wins and Losses Gracefully
• After a Win: Celebrate, but don’t brag or tease. Your opponent worked hard, too!
• After a Loss: It’s normal to feel sad or frustrated. Shake hands anyway, thank your opponent, and learn from the experience.
5. Be a Good Teammate
Cheer on your clubmates during their matches. Fencing isn’t just about individual effort; team spirit matters, too.
Why Etiquette Matters
In fencing, technique and sportsmanship go hand in hand. When you respect the rules, the referee, and your opponent, you create a positive atmosphere where everyone can improve and have fun. Good etiquette also makes it easier to handle those tough moments when things don’t go your way. Remember, every fencer can fence with honor—no matter their skill level or age.
Coming Up Next: Get ready for some fun off the strip! Our next post will share easy exercises and drills that help build the strength and speed you need to become an even better fencer.