3 BIG Reasons You Should Compete in Fencing Tournaments (and 10 small reasons)
Fence St. Louis fencer Zachary holds his mask while waiting to do a warmup bout before Y12 Men’s Saber at the USA Fencing 2026 March NAC in Cleveland, OH.
In fencing, tournaments are a time when many fencers - sometimes from far away - will come together to see how well they can do against rival clubs and teammates alike. Everyone tries their hardest to win their bouts, and it can create an incredible atmosphere of competition and fun.
At Fence St. Louis, we believe that taking part in tournaments is an essential part of the joy of fencing. There are a lot of reasons to fence at tournaments, so here is a short list of reasons to consider signing up for one near you:
Going to Fencing Tournaments is Fun
#1 Travel
From local to regional to national events, fencing tournaments are hosted all over the United States. When you travel to a new place for a fencing tournament, it’s a chance to explore local museums, cuisine, history, and culture.
#2 Showcase Your Skills
As a fencer, you work hard in classes and lessons to improve. Going to tournaments is a chance for you to show off what you’ve learned in a different environment against opponents.
#3 Fence New Opponents
Competing only within your club against teammates can become routine. Tournaments offer an exciting chance to fence new opponents in a new environment. Plus, close bouts with memorable people creates friendly rivals!
Going to Fencing Tournaments Helps You Improve
#4 Test Out Your Skills
The unique pressure and demand of a tournament means that it challenges a fencer’s technical & tactical fencing skills, as well as their mental and emotional focus.
#5 Individual Growth
It can be difficult to figure out what you need to work on if you’re fencing the same people repeatedly at the club - tournaments offer a chance for a fencer to find and address their weaknesses.
#6 Quantify Improvement
Over time, going to tournaments can show a fencer how much they’ve improved. Maybe in the first competition they barely score a touch on everyone in the pool, but later they start winning pool bouts and DEs. Quantifying improvement this way helps fencers visualize and become proud of their progress.
#7 Gain Confidence
Competing can be intimidating, especially in an individual sport like fencing. Fencing tournaments help fencers confront those anxieties and gain confidence as an individual.
Going to Fencing Tournaments Builds Community
#8 Teammate Camaraderie
The teammates and friends you practice with are fun to spend time with at tournaments. There’s nothing like cheering for your teammates, or being cheered on by your teammates, during critical bouts.
#9 Meet New Fencers
Fencing is a niche sport, so often the people you meet at tournaments you will see again. This creates a network of fencers across the country you’ll get to know.
#10 Represent Your Club
When you compete, you have a chance to represent your club at tournaments. It’s a chance for you to be proud of the club you come from, proud of your teammates, and proud of yourself.
So, what are you waiting for?
Interested in getting started with competition? Talk to your coach today! And if you’ve never fenced before, sign up for lessons and classes with us at Fence St. Louis. We would love to take you from beginner to competitor.
