Newsletter archive

Every issue of One Touché Wednesday, newest first. The three newest are open to everyone; the rest are free with an account.

2026

2025

  • Issue 16

    What keeps you going when goals change

    What's the most overlooked part of goal-setting in fencing? It's not how ambitious your goals are or whether you hit them. It's what keeps you engaged when goals fall short, change, or even get checked off.

    In the archive

  • Issue 15

    Start the year with a packing list

    Going into a new year is a great time to revisit the fundamentals that make tournament days run smoothly. One of the simplest and most effective is having a solid packing list.

    In the archive

  • Issue 14

    Stay connected to fencing in the off-season

    As the year winds down, it is easy for fencing to slip into the background. Between holidays, travel, injuries, or graduation on the horizon, routines change and momentum can fade.

    In the archive

  • Issue 13

    Where the parry numbers came from

    Did you know? The parry numbering system we all memorize didn't actually start in a fencing hall. At least, that's how it was explained to me — and while the real history is definitely messier, the idea is still pretty cool.

    In the archive

  • Issue 12

    Plan some downtime over the holidays

    Now that it's December and the holiday season is here, it might be a good time to schedule some purposeful downtime. Training consistency can be tough this time of year, so being intentional helps you enjoy the season without feeling like you're losing steam.

    In the archive

  • Issue 11

    Stick to familiar food on tournament day

    Thanksgiving week is as good a time as any to check in on your go-to tournament eats! While holidays can be all about trying new dishes, tournament day definitely isn't.

    In the archive

  • Issue 10

    Keep your membership card on your phone

    Save yourself stress on tournament day: take a screenshot of your USA Fencing membership card and keep it in your phone. Having a quick-access copy means you can verify your membership number instantly at check-in—no digging through emails or resetting passwords while the line…

    In the archive

  • Issue 8

    How to choose a youth tournament

    Trying to navigate the maze of youth fencing tournaments as a parent or new fencer? Start by understanding that not all events are the same — there are real differences in size, format, scoring expectations, and overall atmosphere. Knowing these upfront helps you choose the…

    In the archive

  • Issue 7

    Show up for each other at tournaments

    The sport grows stronger every time we show up for each other. When a big tournament lands in your region, go — even if you're not competing.

    In the archive

  • Issue 6

    Watch great fencing in person

    You can learn a lot from YouTube, but nothing compares to watching great fencing unfold a few feet away. Seeing high-level bouts in person lets you pick up the intangibles (the rhythm shifts, the focus, the energy in the room) that videos never capture.

    In the archive

  • Issue 5

    Buy gear in person at a big tournament

    Hate the guessing game of buying gear online? When a big tournament comes to town, go—even if you're not fencing. At big events, vendors bring everything to you. Try gear in person, get repairs done right, and talk with people who really know fencing. Don't be shy about asking…

    In the archive

  • Issue 4

    Pack up your gear the right way

    Competition's over, time to crash, right? Not so fast. How you pack up your gear can make or break its lifespan. First: cool down, refuel, rehydrate. Then pack strategically. Never stuff sweaty jackets with body cords—that's a fast track to corrosion and odors. Separate wet gear…

    In the archive

  • Issue 3

    Scout your venue before you arrive

    Want to save stress on competition day? Scout your venue before you even get there. Use Google Street View to check parking and entrances, and look for possible outdoor warm-up spots. At larger convention centers, floorplans can be a game-changer—helping you find strips quickly…

    In the archive

  • Issue 2

    Reflect on a tournament with a SWOT

    After a tournament, most fencers either celebrate or shake off a loss—but the real growth comes from structured reflection. One method some athletes swear by is SWOT: analyzing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

    In the archive

  • Issue 1

    Check your gear before the season starts

    Before your first competition of the season, take time to check your equipment—look for corrosion, missing or loose fittings, dried-out strap elastic, and ensure your blade, mask, grips, and clothing are all in good shape. Don’t wait until the night before to find out something…

    In the archive