Training on a Dime

Fencing isn’t exactly known for being a low-cost sport. If you’re even semi-serious about the sport, the club fees, gear, travel, and tournament registrations can make it feel like you need a sponsor before you’ve even landed your first touch. But I’m here to share how I’ve managed to keep up my training without breaking the (my parents’) bank and maybe help some fellow fencers do the same.

Gear Smarts: Function over Form, Safety over Style

My first fencing jacket came from an older club member. My first pair of shoes? Your average pair of Nikes. And my blade? Thanks to an experienced teammate, he recommended a wholesaler (NeedABlade) that sold blades in bulk. As long as the equipment is in good condition and passes inspection, it will work just as well. Ask other fencers who know where to get what or may let you try a grip or pass down old knickers.

Spend wisely. Sometimes two is cheaper than one.  Wearing expensive equipment to practice 5 days a week becomes really expensive.  Shoes, even the great quality ones, have only so much ‘strip life’ in them – the treads wear down quickly.  I’ve found that going with a cheaper, but still supportive, gym shoe lasts almost as long and costs much less to replace.  I’ve also taken the same approach with my mask and whites – having a second, cheaper set reduces the wear and tear on my FIE equipment, prolonging their life and saving money in the long run.

Remember these six letters: FIE & Fit.  The one thing I never cut costs on (especially after getting a few concussions) is safety. One area where I make sure to invest is FIE masks – they are sturdy and last for years. As you start to fence with stronger, bigger opponents you’ll want to consider equipment that can take the pressure and give you the most protection. Fit is extremely important for protection and performance, so try on a bunch of things on at tournaments to see which fit best. If you can’t make it to tournaments, ask teammates what they have, try them on and start to zero-in on your own preferences.

Ultimately, find the best equipment you can afford and remember, safety & fit over style (although style is always a nice extra!). 

Once you have your gear set-up…take care of it. Don’t just toss your mask in your bag, place it in there and even pack your jacket or knickers around it for protection. Be sure to clean your blades and sand them with fine grit sandpaper. Definitely wipe them down with a towel after a tournament or week of practice and sand them a few times a year. And of course… Wash. Your. Whites. Your parents will thank you; your teammates will thank you and your bag and suitcase will thank you.

Train Creatively: At the Club, at the Gym or at home

Joining a good fencing club is great, but not always budget-friendly. I balance the cost of club fees by doing my physical training at a no-frills gym; no fancy saunas or massage tables, just good equipment, good (safe) people and a good monthly price. When schedules don’t work out, I also ‘flex’ (see what I did there?) my training regimen. I’ll use the weights and equipment my parents have at home or the hotel gym when travelling. For example, I've turned a workout dummy from Dicks Sporting Goods into an opponent in my basement - just me and my fencing dummy Bob (mask, jacket, blade and all).

And when I’m in the mood for something new, or stuck with equipment I’m not used to, I turn to YouTube for tons of free resources from high-level fencers and trainers who breakdown workout plans for footwork, bladework, and strength. 

Travel Hacks: The Parent Pit Crew

Competitive fencing is mostly a traveling sport – more-so in some regions.  When possible, gas (or charge) up your car and get ready to hit the road.  Driving is budget friendly and allows you to pack some food and a toaster for the trip. Food at the venues is always expensive and not the healthiest option; it may be great for an after-event snack while cheering on teammates, but it’s not the best place for a main meal. 

When we travel, we pack snacks and breakfast foods to help lower costs and avoid the long lines when every other fencer seems to also have an 8 am start time.  Gallon jugs of water are also good to keep in your hotel room to stay hydrated and refill water bottles before or at the event.  Check out more about eating healthy, and wisely, on the road in my post about Eating Healthy On The Road.

Of course, where you stay when travelling is usually the biggest hit to the budget.  Hotels are usually great for proximity to the venue and restaurants, but they can also be expensive.  Extended stay hotels or Airbnb’s are good options for long tournaments like Summer Nationals that can last 10 days.  For those shorter events, drive-in/drive-out (or fly-in/fly-out for bigger trips) scenarios help save a few dollars as well.  Just be sure to get lots of sleep and rest.

When travelling longer distances where flying is necessary, definitely do your research on the best flights with the best options. Sometimes what looks like the cheapest flight really isn’t that much of a bargain; oversized baggage fees, carry-on fees and other fees from low-cost carriers adds up.  And look for non-stop flights when possible – you want to make sure you don’t end up buying more equipment when you find out your equipment was lost in the layover transition!

Fencing Is What You Make It

Being on a budget has actually made me more creative, focused, and resilient. It’s easy to get caught up in who has the shiniest blades and bell guards or the newest shoes, but on the strip, it’s all about skill and strategy. And every thrifted touch I land feels twice as rewarding.

If you’re a fencer (or soon-to-be one) trying to make it work without maxing out a credit card know that you absolutely can. Passion > price tag.