Your first fencing tournament
Your first tournament is a chance to fence someone new, try a move you’ve practised and cheer on your MKFA teammates. It’s natural to feel a little nervous, especially before your first bout. Knowing what to pack and what happens when you arrive will help you enjoy the day.
Before the competition
Read the event details with a parent and check your entry, age group, weapon and check-in time. Tell your coach which event you’ve entered. At your next training session, ask to practise the start of a bout, from saluting your opponent to listening for the referee’s signal to begin.
Check your kit several days before the event. Try on your uniform and test your weapons and body wires at training. If anything is missing, damaged or too small, speak to your coach as soon as you can. Early notice gives the MKFA team time to check what is available. A request the day before a competition may leave too little time to arrange a replacement.
Your épée equipment checklist
Pack your bag with a parent and tick off each item yourself. That way, when your name is called, you’ll know exactly where everything is.
- ☐ Fencing mask
- ☐ Fencing jacket
- ☐ Fencing breeches (trousers)
- ☐ Underarm protector (plastron), worn beneath your jacket
- ☐ Chest protector, where required
- ☐ Long fencing socks that reach your breeches
- ☐ Fencing glove for your weapon hand
- ☐ Two working body wires, including one spare
- ☐ Two working épées in the correct size for your age group, including one spare
- ☐ Fencing shoes or suitable indoor court shoes
- ☐ MKFA T-shirt
- ☐ MKFA hoodie
Bring a water bottle, a familiar snack and any documents the organiser asks for. If you fence foil or sabre, ask your coach to check the kit you need for your weapon.
When you arrive
Check in before the published deadline, complete any required equipment checks and find your coach or teammates. Look at the event board or results screen to find your pool (your group of opponents) and your piste (the strip where you’ll fence).
Give yourself time for your usual warm-up. Start with footwork, then put on your kit and fence a few practice touches with a teammate. Keep your spare weapon and body wire within easy reach of your piste.
Your first bouts
Many tournaments begin with short pool bouts against several different fencers. Your pool results help decide whom you’ll meet in the next round, which is usually a knockout. Stay close enough to hear your name and ask your coach or the referee if you’re unsure where to go.
When you step onto the piste, choose one thing to focus on. Perhaps you want to keep a little more distance or try an attack you’ve been working on. If your opponent scores, take a breath as you return to your line and think about the next touch. At the end of the bout, salute your opponent and the referee. Between bouts, have a drink, listen to your coach and cheer on your teammates.
A word for parents
A young fencer may come off the piste eager to talk, or they may want a quiet moment. Follow their lead. Cheer from the spectator area and leave the coaching to their coach. On the way home, a simple question such as “Which touch were you most proud of?” gives your child the chance to tell you what the day meant to them.
From all of us at MK Fencing Academy, enjoy your first tournament. We look forward to hearing about it when you’re back at training.