Challenge

This saying was passed along to me from my cake decorating instructor.

I know you're thinking, what's cake decorating got to do with fencing? Actually nothing, other than I bake and decorate cupcakes for my fencing class every so often. A little sugar rush to heighten the adrenaline. I guess if you are desperate to draw a parallel, you could say that both piping icing and blade work require subtle hand movements. 

The saying, however, reminded me to challenge myself, in all aspects of life. Whether it be cake decorating or fencing — stretch yourself. The only way to grow is to seek challenges. In fencing, the fastest way to grow and improve is to fence someone better than yourself. Seek out the more experienced fencers. Don't worry about your game, focus on what they are doing. Take the hits and learn from them. Then reward yourself with something sweet.

Cupcake anyone?

I fence, therefore I am

KK

You Scream, I Fence

To scream or not to scream - is that the question?

Is screaming and yelling involuntary or is it a tactical ploy to gain a slight advantage over your opponent?

Why do some fencers scream and yell and others don't?

I wonder if there are statistics on screaming fencers. Do they win more bouts than non screamers?

I once heard a white-haired veteran fencer scream so loud it curdled the energy drink in my water bottle. When I realized he hadn't impaled himself on his own sword, I started laughing. It sounded like every move he made was the hardest thing he had ever done. And I wondered if making loud noises was part of duelling?

When duelling to the death, in the good old days, did people scream at each other?

As I pondered the whys of screaming fencers, I came across Dr. Harold Gouzoules, a professor of psychology at Emory University. He researches animal behavior, primate social behavior and communication, and vocal communication in primates. His current research project is examining the evolution and ethology of screams in human and nonhuman primates.

Dr. Harold Gouzoules - Psychology of Screaming

"Many animal species are known to scream and these vocalizations most likely first evolved as a way to startle an attacking predator and provide a chance to escape.  In some social animals, screams are also a means to recruit help when in trouble with members of your own species.  Our earlier research on several species of monkeys, for example, revealed that an attacked individual’s screams recruit assistance from its kin and allies. These loud and distinctive vocalizations provide information about the victim’s situation to its supporters, even when they are some distance away."

The full article can be read at: http://wamc.org/post/dr-harold-gouzoules-emory-university-psychology-screaming

Dr. Gouzoules research, if applied to fencing, would suggest that a fencer who screams during a bout is in fact scared and trying to summon help from the sidelines. Interesting, very interesting... The next time, instead of being annoyed by a screaming fencer, I'll remember that they are so scared they can't control their fear!!

To scream or not to scream...

There is no ruling against screaming and yelling in fencing, as long as it's not obscene or directed at someone. So scream if you must, just remember you will be forever floating around the internet with your mouth wide open. 

I am, therefore I fence.

KK