The point of competition
4,000 athletes gather in San Jose, a center for a growing niche sport
By Mark Emmons
San Jose! A blade- wielding horde this weekend began lunging and parrying its way into the city. But no need to flee for your lives. Their weapons are not designed to inflict harm. And they’ve come in search of competition, not to pillage.
About 4,000 fencers — from elementary school- aged children to senior citizens — began converging at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center on Saturday for the start of 10 days of sword play at the USA Fencing National Championships and July Challenge.
It’s billed as the world’s largest fencing event, with fencers attending from around the nation and 30 other countries. And all this swashbuckling is happening in a region that not only has a long tradition in the sport but also has quietly emerged as an epicenter of fencing’s growing popularity in America. Or is that epee center? “People in the Bay Area like options that go beyond football, basketball, baseball and soccer,” said Greg Massialas, a threetime Olympian whose San Francisco club is considered among the world’s best. “And fencing USA FENCING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND JULY CHALLENGE Where: San Jose McEnery Convention Center When: Event began Saturday and runs through July 6 Who: About 4,000 fencers from the United States and combines the intellectual and the physical in a way that we find appealing. It’s just you and your foil out there on the fencing strip. There’s real life lessons to be learned when you’re there by yourself.”
Some have gotten that point, 30 countries are taking part in the world’s largest fencing competition. Events range from youth athletes to seniors. There also are elite, Olympic- caliber fencers attending. Admission is free to spectators as competition will take place between 8 a. m. and 6 p. m. each day. so to speak. With 30 to 40 fencing clubs in the Bay Area and Sacramento, aficionados say the championships offer an opportunity to shine a brighter spotlight on their niche sport.