Windy City Philosophy on Competitions
Fencing should be fun! Windy City supports fencers who wish to compete, by providing coaches at a number of tournaments throughout the year. But the majority of fencers in Windy City classes do not compete, and no fencer is pressured to compete. To be sure, fencing in competitions is part of a natural progression for anyone who stays with fencing for a time, just like games in other sports are a natural part of the learning experience.
Fencing competitions are divided into age divisions, from 10-and-under through veterans, and there are beginning fencers in all age divisions (although at some national tournaments, fencers must qualify at local or regional tournaments to participate). Windy City fencers have been very successful at local, regional, and national competitions, and fencers who do wish to compete will have many opportunities.
If you or your child is interested in competing, please talk to the coach, and you and he can discuss whether from a skills and maturity standpoint it is time to compete. Of course, competitions should be fun, too!
For more information on fencing competitions, scroll down through the Competitions FAQ.
See also the USFA webpage for parents, and the USFA parents' handbook.
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Windy City Fencing - Chicago, Inc.