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As I See It - . 015
by Dennis Duncan
I understand that the previous editor was in a debate on the Internet with some American fencers who view fencing strictly as an art form and see no reason to go to tournaments.I remember fencing a fellow sabreur named Stephen Chan who strove for this ideal. He was a joy to fence against and his attempts to perfect a parry, riposte or other fencing phrases were a true inspiration to my bumbling, barbarian self. To me, his apparent composure was both baffling and intimidating.
He did not do well at most tournaments as he was usually defeated by poorer sabreurs who could out-reach him. He accepted those seemingly unfair results as a part of fencing and continued to concentrate on his quest for personal betterment. I think he regarded attendance at tournaments as his contribution to other fencers.
Recently at the last Regina Open, I found myself talking to a fencing Mum and was encouraging both her and her son not to worry about the fact that he did not win a bout in his first tournament. I do not know his age but gathered he was a young novice. I recall that it took me two fencing seasons to get out of the first round of pools and tried to convey to him the sense of everyone gradually improving as they continue in the sport. I also encouraged him to concentrate more on the simple joy of fencing with the knowledge that better results would eventually come and that he should just get out there and play.
There are those who come out simply for the exercise. I recall some boxers at the Field House muttering some insults about " wimpy fencers" and being challenged to participate in our 15 minute warm up drills. Most of you will not be surprised at the results; pugilists sitting in the hall, their backs against the wall, huffing and puffing like some old steam locomotives. It is vigorous exercise as you all well know. Most of you also know that a tournament demands more of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise over a longer duration.
Working people I knew went to burn off job accumulated stress in a physically and mentally demanding sport. I remember putting the image of my jerk-of-a-boss on the mask of my opponent and then trying to hack it off ( but in a nice way). Most satisfying! Stress is highest at tournaments and if you want to do well, you will have learn to cope with, and manage, the associated stress.
And then there are those who live to compete. This can take two paths; the desire to be the best you can at that particular moment or to be the best there. Dr. Nathan Devinsky , the noted chess commentator, points out that chess champions are somewhat clinically crazy but that is what gives these people their single minded determination and eventual success. The rest of us simply do the best we can, in true Canadian fashion.
There are many reasons to join and enjoy fencing. Usually it is not a simple, single motive but a complex mix. Attending tournaments to test yourself and see how you objectively rank with your peers is an integral part of fencing.
One of the interesting things that happens when chaos theory is applied to organizations is that it shows that once an organization has identical components and connections, it is at its most vulnerable state. Diversity protects the survival of the complete system. Similarly, we need as many people as possible in fencing. We all make a valuable contribution, regardless of ranking, age, position or status.
To me, the debate on which motive is best is juvenile. Fencers fence for their own, very good, reasons. It is only the insecure egos that will demand acknowledgement that their way is best.
