Fencing is, just like boxing, a combat sport. The preparation for the big competitions happens in private; behind the closed doors of the fencing salle and the gym in my high street. It is at this time of year when training should be at its toughest, before easing slightly during the season. It is at this time of year when you must challenge yourself, to jump further, lift heavier, run faster, be sharper. It is at this time where techniques can be reconstructed, actions taught afresh and tactics improved. This is the preparation. Some days its tough. Some days can be a struggle, but they will be worth it in the end under those lights.
One of my new year's resolutions which I've pinned to the wall, as one of my most organised friend's did last year achieving a considerable amount of success, is to learn how to skip. Skipping has been proven to enhance coordination and rhythm between hand and foot movements and also increase stamina and endurance. It is actually good preparation for fencing. Skipping should be fast and explosive, and so are the movements required for fencing as one moves up and down the piste. Improving coordination between hand and foot is also important as while your feet are the vehicle allowing you to pursue an opponent, the final action and the landing of an attack occurs with the hand. So skipping will hopefully make me more agile and improve the co-ordination of my attacks. Right now my training partner laughs at my frustration, although he did also admit that my skipping has improved ten fold over the last week.
However, perhaps the most important reward I currently acquire from skipping is the absolute concentration required to succeed. Certainly at my level of skipping, if my mind starts to wander I make a mistake, the rope stops. Total concentration is required. And total concentration is what is required once I am on the piste. One lapse could mean a hit against. One hit the difference between winning and losing. One hit the difference between qualification and watching on TV. None of the top fencers give away hits and so with stronger powers of concentration I hope to make the transition this season and not allow my opponents the chance to get ahead or beat me, through such lapses.
Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest sportsmen to have walked the earth. His name one of the most famous in the world. Nicknamed 'The Greatest' and referred to as 'The Champ' he made a mockery of his opponents with his trash talking. But under those lights the truth is that not many were better than he. That fact is testament to the hard work he put in behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, away from witnesses and before he danced under those lights. He possessed drive and determination, just as I, and I hope that soon, I'll be ready.
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