Is competition the ultimate goal of training?
Many clubs see competition as the sole goal of learning how to fence. We have a different philosophy. We see competition as a tool to gauge one’s mastery of the art. Skills are learned in the lessons, they are then tested and refined in the club against other club fencers. Going to a tournament and fencing people from other clubs in a more stressful environment provides a further opportunity for learning and honing one’s abilities. The winning of bits of medal and plastic is not as important as the lessons learned, including the ability to lose graciously.
