When Is A Fencer Ready
For Competition?

There is no correct time to start competing. If competing is fun, the fencer is ready since attitude is the most important factor. Competition is a great teacher, but the fencer must be willing to both win and lose since they are both parts of competing. Athletes who learn to accept losing as non-ego events become big winners when they are more skilled and at the levels where complete concentration is necessary. One other requirement is having the necessary competition gear.

We provide member competitions at the Minnesota Sword Club that require a minimum of equipment. The Minnesota High School Fencing League, in which we sponsor a team, requires some competitive equipment. The US Fencing Association competitions require a full set of specific competitive equipment. Equipment is often the determining factor if a fencer can compete.