We had our fourth fencing class last Monday. The professor was gone, so we just did a full hour and a half of open fencing. We were split into two groups – men and women.

Steven and I both noticed distinct characteristics about our groups that annoyed us a bit. Of the 6 women in my group, 3 were not taking the class very seriously. Yes, I am there to have fun, but they were giggling and calling out at each other while they were fencing. Then, when they would judge, they wouldn’t really pay attention to what was going on. When one fencer hits the other, the judge is supposed to say “halt.” Well, if you are screwing around, you might forget to do that. And as amateur fencers, we are just going to keep going, because we are not sure if we are getting direct hits or not. So… that was frustrating.

But, while fencing the other giggling women, I was able to pick up on some things I need to improve on – mainly my focus. A lot of people are still just blindly jabbing at one another, not strategizing much, or even paying attention to the opponent’s moves. I realized this early on, and spent the rest of the night really focusing on what my opponent was doing, rather than just trying to move in fast and stab them.

Steven had a different annoyance than I did. Apparently, some of this fellow male fencers have an inflated ego, and spent all of their time between matches talking up their “skills” and “style.” These students are at the same level as us – beginners, only four classes. So the only word that could describe their style would be “sloppy.” Of course, that is just talk, but it was still annoying Steven a bit (I know it would bother ME).

And apparently, some of the men are being very competitive, and making it a lot less fun. Fencing is a “gentleman’s sport” – you’re expected to show courtesy to your fellow fencer – saluting them with your sword, shaking their hand, etc. Well, everyone is doing that (I think), but some people are letting the wining get to their heads. Steven said one advanced player beat another advanced player and was doing fist pumps in the air for almost a minute. Just being around him made Steven feel uncomfortable because he knew this guy was so full of himself.

I understand competition. I understand wanting to win. I do have a tendency to turn into a competitive ass from time to time. But some people just take it TOO FAR. They make EVERYTHING into a competition. Everything in life. You know these people. You’re talking to them about a goal or accomplishment you made, and all of a sudden, it becomes a competition about how they compare to you. I find this petty. And pointless.

Anyway, on Monday night, Steven wasn’t really feeling up to fencing class because he was so sore from skiing (he still has bruises covering most of his legs!). I tried to be encouraging, telling him just to take it easy and focus on the footwork and moves the professor taught us.

After class, he came up to me and showed me this:

A photo of Steven’s arm the night he got hit.

So, besides the bruises from skiing, he now has some new ones from fencing – this huge scrape on his arm, as well as another inside his elbow, and more bruises on his legs. He looks like he got into a serious fight. Or something.