Rebecca joined the club last year as a foilist, and now holds an officer position and a sabre. While she competed in USACFC last year, the Burton was her first sabre tournament and first USA Fencing tournament.
The Burton Open was a fun-filled learning experience. As someone who is new to fencing, the idea of a tournament can be both exciting and daunting; especially if you don’t know what to expect at one. But of course, Bradley’s Fencing Club helped to make sure I felt more prepared by giving me an idea of how tournaments are generally run, what I needed to check on throughout the day, etc. When I was nervous before my first bout, they offered insight and advice. And what were their instructions to me for the tournament? “Go out there, do my best, and have fun with it.” And I did. While competition can be fierce, everyone is encouraging, helpful, and willing to work with you. After each bout, coaches presented feedback and tips on what I executed successfully, and what still needed improvement.
Practice always helps you to improve, and the Burton was an excellent chance for me to gain fencing experience, witness great sportsmanship, and improve my skill set while making new friends. I gave it my all and had a blast. I observed as much as I could of the other bouts to see what I could learn. I tried to implement the feedback I received into my routine each bout. I also learned I needed to work on footwork. Footwork. And more footwork. Also, not hesitating! I am still stuck in a bit of a foil rut and am not moving as rapidly as I should be-and part of my issue with quickness falls back to footwork. So I really need to focus on that during practices.
Can’t wait for the next tournament!
Rebecca Janus
BUFC Publicity '13-'14
Women's Sabre
The Burton Open was a fun-filled learning experience. As someone who is new to fencing, the idea of a tournament can be both exciting and daunting; especially if you don’t know what to expect at one. But of course, Bradley’s Fencing Club helped to make sure I felt more prepared by giving me an idea of how tournaments are generally run, what I needed to check on throughout the day, etc. When I was nervous before my first bout, they offered insight and advice. And what were their instructions to me for the tournament? “Go out there, do my best, and have fun with it.” And I did. While competition can be fierce, everyone is encouraging, helpful, and willing to work with you. After each bout, coaches presented feedback and tips on what I executed successfully, and what still needed improvement.
Practice always helps you to improve, and the Burton was an excellent chance for me to gain fencing experience, witness great sportsmanship, and improve my skill set while making new friends. I gave it my all and had a blast. I observed as much as I could of the other bouts to see what I could learn. I tried to implement the feedback I received into my routine each bout. I also learned I needed to work on footwork. Footwork. And more footwork. Also, not hesitating! I am still stuck in a bit of a foil rut and am not moving as rapidly as I should be-and part of my issue with quickness falls back to footwork. So I really need to focus on that during practices.
Can’t wait for the next tournament!
Rebecca Janus
BUFC Publicity '13-'14
Women's Sabre