Fencing: The Fenced In Podcast

A bit of a delay and some overdue updates…Ben is flying to Tokyo and Chris is recovering from a broken rib! What a great opportunity to to hear about what goes on in an Olympic and Paralympic village - sparring partners, holding camps, who gets into the village…Ben speaks from personal experience! Ben also has a story about how he got stuck in the Olympic village in Rio 2016 having lost his chaperone…not to be repeated! We also have our review of the Olympics… …stand out moments …how the results compared against the expectations …surprises and unexpected performances … And discuss when should you change tactic? Overall it depends on whether the mistake is technical or tactical. We out the fencing couples, well done to the fencing powerhouse couples and their Tokyo successes! How much longer will the fencers in their mid-late thirties look to keep competing? Ben talks about GB's hopes in Tokyo! And the prospect of flying Did you know that theParalympians are not part of Team GB? They are different organisations with different logos - Paralympics GB What will happen with the FIE season that's been announced and meant to be starting next month. We shouldn't be ruled by ‘fear of missing out'. Getting back to a life of relative normality and how we phase back into that at different times.

“We are part of an historic Olympics"...the Women's Foil Dream Team competing in the Tokyo 'Pandemic' Olympic Games We're celebrating

After taking his first real break from fencing since he started in 1994, Richard joins us to discuss his career, travels and all sorts of nonsense while sipping his afternoon Oolong tea. We go through training habits and philosophies and how he believes that he managed to turn his hobby into his profession with some tips for fencers that want to do the same (including how he deals with jet lag). We also talk about the Olympic qualification process, a topic that Richard is extremely well positioned to comment on considering that he took a different route to each Olympic Games he qualified for: individual ranking, zonal place, wildcard and team ranking. Which begs the question, are individual and team fencing really two different sports? There's so much in here that it's hard to write about it all but just a few more topics which include: playing the bagpipes in the park, we get to meet his lovely wife (who comments on how he is at home), hearing some of his many linguistics skills and how Ben made it into Croatian folklore.

Be brave, have fun, stay curious.  Play the game. This is our latest motto, which will always keep us going! Right?Ben and Chris talk about the latest developments in their training and what we can all continue to work on from home and what might change with the return of fencing looming…We cover our thoughts on the recent Sabre and Epee Olympic qualifiers (this was recorded before the Foil event in Doha) and label one athlete as the Federer of the fencing world.  Of course, we also talk about the Olympics and Ben's experience as an Olympic training partner for Rio 2016.We also cover why gratitude in the sport is important and another very curious topic…what makes fencers that originate from Guadeloupe so successful internationally? There's also a teaser in here about a big announcement that is to come in the next episode!Fenced In:https://www.instagram.com/fencedinpodcast/https://twitter.com/fencedinpodcast?lang=enJ4G Design Ltd: https://j4gdesign.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/j4gdesign/Ben Peggs: https://www.instagram.com/benpeggs/?hl=enhttps://m.facebook.com/BenPeggs1990/Budapest Sabre results: https://fie.org/articles/1040Kazan Epee results: https://fie.org/articles/1044Doha Foil results: https://fie.org/articles/1046

“Commit to the moment so that you finish with no regrets - don't ever lose hits on the things that you can control” As a two time Olympian, this is the approach that Johnny Davis, the Olympic Team Manager for British Fencing, took to his very successful Fencing career. Johnny talks us through his life to date…from Belfast to a big shot in the music industry to his fencing career. He explains how he has taken these experiences into his role with the British Team. Providing us with insights into how he convert his athlete's raw talent into world class performances. Having someone who's been there and understands exactly what the athletes are going through gives them the confidence they need to perform at their best.

Dan Berke is a tech head turned fencer who spotted an opportunity to make life at his club a little easier through technology. Now it's 2021 and you have probably all used Fencing Time in some capacity either as a fencer, tournament organiser or spectator. The app grew naturally, with word spreading regionally...then nationally...then finally to the FIE who now use it at the worlds biggest events. Dan still works as a software engineer while running Fencing Time and finding the time to speak to those using it to continuously find improvements. We get to hear his journey, where Fencing Time has taken him and what he misses most about life pre-pandemic. Enjoy!You can get in touch with Dan by sending an email to info@fencingtime.comPlease remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

As COVID continues to reek havoc through all of Europe and with stricter measures being taken Nationally, what effect is this having on our mental health and our fencing? We thought it was time to check in with psychology again. In this episode Ben and Chris are joined by British Fencing's Lead Athlete Development Programme Sports Psychologist - Dr Jonathan Katz. Jonathan's expertise has taken him to multiple Paralympic Games, European, World and Commonwealth Championships, making him an ideal person to talk to when things don't go smoothly,  a little like trying to fence during a global pandemic! Showing his cool, calm demeanour throughout this intricate episode, Jonathan talks us through some of the common myths surrounding psychology and mental training asking us the most important question - “What function does your sport serve for you and is it meeting that function?”With high levels of national stress, maintaining mental health is challenging and with fencing restrictions becoming increasingly tighter, most of us are at risk of losing our deep emotional drive that creates the 'personal high' experienced at the core of our magnificent sport! Jonathan goes deeper to explore what makes top athletes tick and how psychology training has changed in his long and decorated career -“The idea that people can improve their mental skills in just the same way as their physical skills has resulted in psychology being more of a proactive component in the sporting environment”.Through JK's experience with show host, Ben, we discover what more British fencers could be doing to gain greater understanding of their progression and developing more of a ‘learning' mindset - “It may not have gone as you intended, that doesn't mean it was wrong. It means it was different”. Coining one of his most favourite phrases, Jonathan explains how easy it is to create habits. Leading to the name of this episode - “Practice makes Permanent”! If you'd like to know more or speak to JK directly, you can get in touch via:Thanks Chris. Should be good for me to go live. Please let me have the various 'handles' where folks can find the podcast so I can place on my social media.Twitter: @DrJonKatzEmail: JKatz@pinm.co.ukLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drjonathankatz

Ben forgets how to keep score and Chris can't put on a jacket...the longly anticipated return to fencing! It's finally time...we're back to sparring! It's the moment where we get to see how much we have improved after all of our efforts during lockdown! Ben talks about his return to squad training and how tough a simple 5 hit bout can be after 6 months away and Chris explains how he is chomping at the bit for his first session back. With so many COVID restrictions in place, and rightly so, training doesn't look the same as it used to. Ben and Chris take you though the things to watch out for and what to expect, with so much to think about but we have to remember that it's all about having fun! There are also questions from Norfolk based fencers about what aspects of training to prioritise given that technical work is now allowed again. Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

“The life skills that can be taken from fencing are massive” ‘The Fenced In' podcast meets arguably Scotland's finest fencer, ever! Growing up with all the odds stacked against him all Keith Cook ever wanted was a garden with a tree in it. Who knew what the world had in store for him instead… In this episode we talk to a fellow friend, team mate, coach, father and athlete. The now retired (not confirmed!) senior international medalist, former British Champion and head coach of Salle Holyrood explains his journey and what it takes to be a fencing parent as well as coach to both his kids. This interview discusses Keith's humble beginnings, his fencing career, the life lessons and whether or not he will make yet another comeback now that he's in the shape of his life! It would certainly keep his son and student, Jamie, on his toes. We delve into that fascinating relationship, and how Keith's approach to mental health and keeping things fun are also a big part of his narrative and club mantra. Keep a keen ear out for his pearls of wisdom and his knowledge as Keith answers another fantastic question from a fan on Twitter!

The fenced in podcast meets Maria and Sonia. British Fencing's physiotherapist and sports therapist respectively. The dream team behind some of GB's biggest successes! Maria and Sonia each run their own practice in different areas of London but that doesn't stop them from finding them time support the fencers, and each other. Since Maria started, the GB team have qualified for the Rio Olympic Games, won numerous medals at World Cup, and with Sonia's arrival followed not one but two World Championships silvers! We get to understand what makes Maria and Sonia tick, from their own athletic prowess to their professional careers and how they found themselves in the world of fencing. Their insights are fascinating, unlocking some of the fundamental principles behind staying injury free and recovering properly, with perspectives from their own sports and what they have brought to fencing. As we look to return to fencing, this information packed episode is your weapon of choice! Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

“In Hungary, if you want to be an icon you have to be Olympic champion" As he is the only athlete ever to have won a medal at both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games, it's safe to say that's exactly what Pal has achieved in a fencing career spanning 28 years, with a journey like no other! Ben and Chris discover what Pal went through from his first Olympics in Los Angeles 1984 to his last Paralympics London 2012. Describing his utter determination which resulted in his remarkable Paralympic title just 7 months after a life changing injury, he explains his re-educate of each and every aspect of life. Pál says that fencing was his saving grace, with a career which he views as a complete one. Now the president of IWAS Wheelchair Fencing and having held public office in Hungary for many years, promoting accessibility in all forms and changing the landscape of wheelchair fencing has been his goal. Pál views wheelchair fencing as the fourth discipline and it's easy to understand why. He talks us through his experience transitioning from able bodied Olympic medalist to wheelchair Paralympic champion and what both can learn from the other! Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

The ‘Fenced in' podcast brings you its third guest: Paralympian and current World Number 1 - Dimitri Coutya. In this episode you'll learn all there is to know about wheelchair fencing and the incredible story behind the former double World Champion. Dimitri talks us through his inspiring story at the Rio Games and how this spring-boarded him on to claim world titles in both Epee and Foil. With enlightening content about psychological wellbeing in lockdown and how just having a happy head can do wonders for you, this episode is jam packed so don't miss out! Dimitri gives us an insight into his new Paralympic path, as the games shift by a year, and how that translates to his preparation. Echoing some of the ideals from other esteemed guests. Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

“We are fencers - we are trained to deal with change and adapt at a moments notice ” An opportunity, that is how our latest guest views the current situation. Dan Kellner talks us through his inspiring story as a fencer. With both highs and lows, that didn't stop it from becoming a roaring success including being the first American in 33 years to win the Pan-American Games and finish 4th with team USA at 2004 Olympics Games. The story doesn't stop there, we discuss the move into his coaching career: how it started, where he is now, and how he's managing Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club in lockdown. Giving us a deeper understanding of his teaching methodologies that gave him successes with former students Race Imboden (former World #1 and Olympic medallist) and Sam Moelis (junior and cadet world champion) to current student and British number 1 - Marcus Mepstead (2019 World Championship Silver). It's safe to say that Dan's medal collection didn't stop growing when he finished competing! Dan also provides some insights into his routines at the moment and how he balances training and a life outside of fencing, what podcasts he listens to and what Tik Tok vides he's been making! Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

“Tough times don't last, but tough teams do” This is exactly the mantra the head coach for Great Britain's Sabre team lives by. Jon joins Chris and Ben to discuss how his club Truro is not only surviving but thriving in lockdown! Having established, and still leading, the Cornish club's high performance programme he explains what has gone into producing some of GB's best sabreurs and how, in a time like this, no club should lose momentum. Nearly an hour was spent talking to Jon but it could have been much longer listening to his tales and perspective on how Truro, a town of just 18,000 people, became a powerhouse of fencing world. The British Fencing Athlete Development Programme (ADP) coach talks in depth about his own learning as an athlete, having started fencing and achieved his World Cup selections later than most. It's his attitude towards development that has seen him become one of Britain's most successful coaches. Jon explains how through all his years in the game, he was amazed by the fact that no guide existed for parents in our complex sporting world. He, alongside Daniela Norris, co-authored ‘From last to first - a parents guide to fencing success' that was published in March 2020, which fits in perfectly with the intentions of the show. The Ask us anything' section throws up a question that goes to Jon, who stuns us with a fantastic answer, providing great guidance to any coach out there on how to still connect with their club through quarantine. Not to mention the ‘quote-off' at the end! Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

Diet. Nutrition. Stoke the fire and feed the flames. This episode is about understanding what you put into your body and how it can be as effective as the training you do. Ben and Chris talk about how their food intake has changed since lockdown and some examples of their favourite meals. Spoilers: Ben will eat anything and Chris is obsessed with peanut butter. ‘Ask us anything' features two questions about the elements of training and how to manage breaks at competitions. Please remember to rate us and to subscribe for every update!

What's just as important as your training? Recovery and how to schedule it! Ben and Chris delve deep into recovery to understand how being smart will get you back to your best quicker than before. Exploring the idea of periodisation through concise planning, you'll get what you need to develop a structure to your training, helping you to peak at the right times whether you're fencing domestically or internationally. ‘Ask us anything' features a great question about visualising matches against opponents that you have lost to before, brought to you by a former British no.1 and GB international foilist. Please remember to rate us, subscribe for every update and share wherever you do that best!

Deep into lockdown and it's time to power through! This lasted edition is exactly that - strength and conditioning! Ben and Chris build on the foundations from last weeks episode by discussing what physical training looks like for different levels of fencer and what key areas should be developed to avoid the pitfalls of injuries as well as making measurable differences to your game. The conversation evolves into how these gains can be made without the traditional training aids, and how both have been managing to keep in tip top shape despite quarantine. With more questions flooding in to the ‘Ask us anything' section, Ben and Chris share personal experiences and give direction to reading material that could be considered the fencing bible for parents of this complex and dynamic sport. Please remember to rate us, subscribe for every update and share wherever you do that best!

In week 5 of lockdown, Ben and Chris get their teeth into mobility, stability and flexibility - isn't that a mouthful! They talk about how this foundation supports fencing at any level, and how can it be developed or practised in your own home. Exploring common misconceptions and discussing injury prevention, this chapter shows the best way to prepare an athletes body for basic practise right through to professional training with knowledge gained from years of experience in doing both right and wrong! Reflecting on experience gained from British Fencing's physios - Maria and Sonia - you'll start to understand primary principles on how balancing your bodies will give you a cutting edge. ‘Ask us anything' becomes more poplar with a question from high level youth development coach and GB international medalist. With special remembrance to Matthew Dickinson who sadly passed away. A huge loss for our fencing community. Please remember to rate us, subscribe for every update and share wherever you do that best!

Ben Peggs and Chris Mollard - who both represent GB in the sport of fencing - bring you the next chapter of their podcast, following on seamlessly from last weeks episode on tactical analysis. This week they discuss footwork and technical training - what it is, why it's important and how to find new ways to do it at home. In this extended episode Ben and Chris take a deeper look at a range of technical elements, delving into a greater analysis of how modern foil is developing. Featuring a new section where listeners have questions answered, so be sure to get in touch for next week instalment. Please like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We are also on Twitter @FencedInPodcast (https://twitter.com/FencedInPodcast) - follow us and get in touch for your questions to be answered!

Ben Peggs and Chris Mollard bring you another informative episode on tactical analysis - how to do it and how not to! They discuss how this can be done, both at home and at training, so that you can start to see measurable differences in your fencing. These include how to approach a bout, determine what needs to change and how to put together feedback on yourself so that fencers can determine how best to prepare for the restart of competitions. We did a video with the popular YouTuber CyrusofChaos: https://youtu.be/C8o8vbeHLZY With first hand experience and knowledge collected from time spent within the British Fencing World Class programme, you can be sure you'll be armed with the right information to stay ahead of the curve. This episode is dedicated to Peter Whiteside, Ben's first fencing coach who sadly passed away from Covid-19 on Tuesday 14th April 2020. Please like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We are also on Twitter @FencedInPodcast (https://twitter.com/FencedInPodcast) - follow us and get in touch for your questions to be answered! Links mentioned: Clips of hits and a test of what the calls should be: https://actions.quarte-riposte.com/ Refereeing tutorial: https://www.quarte-riposte.com/category/refereeing-tutorials/

Ben Peggs and Chris Mollard - who both represented GB in the sport of fencing - bring you the second chapter of their latest podcast. This week they talk about psychology and the challenges of staying positive and keeping a good state of mental health in these bizarre times.  Addiction, motivation, challenges and mental health are all covered.Fencing, at any level, is a social sport so staying motivated while training alone can be hard! They talk about what can be done to help ‘manage the mind' for anyone feeling demotivated, stressed, anxious or just missing competition and direction. Once again in a light conversational piece, discussions delve into the basic principles of sports psychology both from their own experience and a wide range of well reviewed books!Please like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  We are also on Twitter @FencedInPodcast (https://twitter.com/FencedInPodcast) - follow us and get in touch for your questions to be answered!

Ben and Chris who have both represented GB in the sport of fencing talk about what they have been doing in the first week of lockdown in the UK and how to keep fit and healthy while maintaining a high level of adapted fencing training! Please like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We are also on Twitter @FencedInPodcast (https://twitter.com/FencedInPodcast) - follow us and get in touch for your questions to be answered!