Nathaniel Lewis

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” It is all too easy to make what is already a non-conventional sport even more complicated. From the beginning I try to emphasise simple tactical choices in my fencers: attack or use distance to defend; attack quickly or push the opponent to the end of the piste; put the opponent under pressure, then parry on the next hit. I believe a solid foundation of quality fencing will sustain an athlete throughout their career, allowing them to make informed tactical choices as their understanding progresses; upon this can then be built more intricate repertoire which will allow the fencer to expand their tactical choices, and ultimately evolve into a strong, self reliant, and creative athlete.