Fencing is one of the more unique sports that can seem like a challenge to get involved in, but in the Reno area it’s surprisingly easy and very welcoming with the staff and students over at High Desert Fencing Alliance. They welcomed me into their space, taught me the basics and allowed their students to humble me a little as I picked up a fencing sword for the first time.
“It's a little hard to get out there. Most people are really excited when they hear about it, but getting them in is a challenge. But I found that once I got people inside the door, they usually don't want to leave.” - Jack Parkey, Owner and Head Coach at High Desert Fencing Alliance.
While it may seem simple to swing a sword, I found the sport to be a very intricate balancing act between maintaining focus and learning to read your opponent. From positioning your sword with your resting position to be ready to parry or block an incoming strike, to understanding the space and reach of your opponent, to identifying the windows of opportunity to strike, each match is a constant mental battle between two swordsmen.
“Fencing is a very mental and technical sport. It seems like it's physical, right? Don't get me wrong, it's very physical, but at a high level, you're doing mental gymnastics versus your opponent. More than anything else, they do. A nickname for it is physical chess.” - Jack Parkey, Owner and Head Coach at High Desert Fencing Alliance.
Jack Parkey is the head coach at High Desert Fencing Alliance and, when it comes to teaching his students, he emphasizes teaching life skills like discipline, focus and respect. With it, he has instilled that same love and passion for the sport in his students and coaches.
“It's exciting, it's fast paced. And I really like that stuff. Even if I lose, I move in. It doesn't really bother me most of the time. I'm just glad to be here.” - Jupiter Shu, 6th Grade Fencing Student.
“It's just a test against yourself. At the end of the day, no matter what happens, you know it's not a real sword. You're going to live. You get to come back, and you can try again. So, you do it over and over again, and you can really see the improvement and be. It's a direct representation of hard work.” - Tobyn Dessauer, Fencing Coach.
