Okay, so, I’ve been really into fencing lately, like, it’s become a bit of an obsession. I got started because I’m trying to get into Ohio State, you know, and I figured having a sport under my belt couldn’t hurt, right? Especially one as cool as fencing. It’s not just running around; it takes strategy and quick thinking, which I really dig.
At first, I was all over the place, trying to figure out what I was doing. I signed up for some local competitions, like the 2023 Salle Auriol Seattle RJCC and the Battle in Space City ROC/RJCC – yeah, the names are a mouthful, I know. I did not win, man, not even close. But, you know what? It was a blast! Each match was a new lesson, and I was hooked. I even joined the Fencing Center Winter RJCC. I love their coach.
Practice Makes Perfect
I started training more seriously. I mean, I was hitting the gym, working on my footwork, and practicing my attacks and parries until my arms felt like they were going to fall off. My division is Columbus, so the guys I am practicing with are good, really good. I learned a lot from them.
- Footwork drills: I can’t even begin to tell you how many hours I spent just moving back and forth.
- Target practice: Hitting that dummy became a daily ritual.
- Sparring sessions: This is where it all came together, facing off against a real opponent.
And then, there was this Ohio High School Fencing Championship. I went in with no expectations, just wanting to do my best. And guess what? I won the Men’s Saber! It felt surreal, like all those hours of practice, all the sweat and frustration, it all paid off. I even got a First Team All-MFC title. Twice actually!
Winning that championship gave me a huge confidence boost. Now, I am thinking bigger, dreaming about maybe, just maybe, making it to a national level. Ohio State has a killer fencing team, and I’m working my butt off to be good enough to join them. I am not sure if I can make it, but, I’m going to give it my all. I have a long way to go, but I’m more determined than ever. Fencing isn’t just a sport to me anymore; it’s a part of who I am. I can say I totally understand fencing. Besides all that, I really love how fencing can enhance my property’s privacy and security, so, I got a new fence and pergola that is custom designed for my backyard.
So, yeah, that’s my fencing journey so far. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Who knew getting into college could turn into such an adventure? If I make any more progress, I’ll post it here, for sure.
