Competitve Training

Competitive Training (Team)

The Riverside competitive Team is by coach invitation only, and is open to Riverside members who are interested in competing.

The Competitive Team has both individual and group goals. The individual goals are to foster competitive development of the fencer, regardless of their current level of competition (local, regional, national, or international). The group goals are to foster a community that can push each other to greater success, and to support each other throughout the inevitable ups and downs that accompany pushing against one's limits. Both goals require commitments to both the process of improvement and to the effort and time exerted toward that process.

Team requirements/prerequisites

• Coach approval

• Must hold USA Fencing "Access" or "Competitive" membership (or equivalent)

• Compete in USA Fencing sanctioned tournaments approximately one to two times monthly (as opportunities allow)

• Attend 2 to 4 fencing sessions (practices, classes, or open fencing) per week, including all regular Team practices. The total weekly fencing time should be 4 to 10 hours

• Take at least one weekly private lesson

• Work with coaches to devise competition schedules and development goals

Team expectations

We expect Team members to strive to do the following:

• To develop one's own skills as a fencer through deliberate, purposeful, and consistent practice

• To assume ownership of one's own growth and development as a fencer and competitor, and to contribute positively to the development and growth of other team and club members by:

  • Fencing sincerely with other members of the club without prejudice or reservation

  • Actively seeking, receiving, and offering thoughtful feedback to others during fencing sessions

  • Relating and discussing experiences with team members

• To strive to be a self-sufficient competitor by:

  • Acquiring one's own full set of fencing gear (over time; Club gear is always available as backup)

  • Learning to armor and maintain own gear

  • Learning the rules of the game and how to advocate for oneself in the face of confusion about rules or processes in tournaments

• To be good ambassadors of Riverside Fencing Club in the greater fencing community