Ready To Compete?

There is no correct time to start competing. If competing is fun, the fencer is ready.  The fencer's 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.

Equipment is often the determining factor if a fencer can compete. Once a fencer has all of his/her practice gear then he/she may start getting the competitive equipment. During practices many fencers want to use the electronic scoring equipment. It makes fencing more fun and simulates competitive bouting. This requires a minimum of competitive equipment. The Minnesota High School Fencing League, in which we sponsor a team, requires more competitive equipment then when just bouting. The US Fencing Association competitions require a full set of specific competitive equipment. To help, the Minnesota Sword Club sells the type of competitive fencing equipment needed by a first or second year competitor.

Links to Other Competition Pages
Kinds of Competitions

Arriving at a Meet

Eating at Competitions

Banned Medications