At Fortune Fencing, we constantly seek ways to enhance our understanding and execution of competitive fencing. Michel Sicard’s insightful perspective, articulated in his essay “The Competition Situation in Épée Fencing,” provides a meaningful approach to evaluating fencing outcomes by distinguishing clearly between two critical elements: result and performance.

We traditionally measure results after a competition. They are quantifiable—wins, losses, rankings—and serve as the primary indicator for various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, clubs, families, and the media. While results are necessary to determine rankings and progression, an exclusive focus on them may overlook valuable insights that could significantly benefit future competitions. Even if our coaches couldn’t attend the bout in person, reviewing recorded footage together provides an excellent opportunity to analyze performances comprehensively.

Conversely, performance refers to the dynamic, intricate process that unfolds from initial training through competition itself. It encompasses preparation, strategy, adaptability, decision-making, and resilience in unpredictable situations. Sicard emphasizes that performance “does not exist and cannot be foreseen,” underscoring that true performance is built progressively, moment-to-moment, through diligent effort and adaptability rather than simply reflecting a final score.

This nuanced distinction profoundly influences our approach to competition debriefings at Fortune Fencing. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes—victory or defeat—our debriefs prioritize a deeper exploration of each fencer’s competitive journey. A meaningful debrief transforms into an “experience feedback” session, enabling fencers to understand and articulate the path taken toward their results. This approach includes several critical steps:

• Acknowledgment: We create an open environment where fencers freely narrate their competitive experiences without fear of judgment or pressure to provide expected responses. The goal is authenticity, encouraging athletes to share their true experiences openly and comfortably.
• Analysis: During debriefs, we carefully distinguish between objective facts (actual events, scores, specific actions) and subjective interpretations (personal perceptions, feelings, assumptions). Recognizing both elements helps clarify the athlete’s experience and their perception of the competition, offering invaluable insights.
• Process-Centric Discussion: Rather than fixating solely on final outcomes, our analysis delves into the specifics of strategies implemented, adaptability to unforeseen circumstances, handling of power dynamics, management of mental and physical downtime, and precise execution of technical actions.
• Strengths and Weaknesses Identification: Debriefs at Fortune Fencing actively identify strengths that can be further honed and acknowledge areas needing improvement. This balanced assessment empowers fencers, providing clear directions for future growth.
• Understanding Change Limitations: Lastly, we recognize that even thorough analysis does not automatically translate into immediate behavioral changes or strategy adjustments. Athletes typically require a period to internalize insights and fully embrace recommended changes. Patience and consistent reinforcement during this phase are essential.

At Fortune Fencing, emphasizing the performance journey rather than just the outcome reshapes our approach to fencing development. By focusing on the process, we cultivate resilience, strategic depth, and continuous improvement among our fencers. Ultimately, understanding and nurturing performance paves the way for achieving sustained competitive excellence.

Note: Michel Sicard is a renowned French épée coach and fencing master who is celebrated for his extensive contributions to the sport. A former National Team Coach for the French Olympic épée team, Sicard led France to numerous accolades, including 4 Olympic medals, 11 European Championship medals (5 gold), and 13 World Championship medals (5 gold). He also served as the Technical Director of the French Fencing Federation and coached the French Modern Pentathlon team. Known for his tactical and technical expertise, Sicard continues to influence the fencing world through training camps, individual lessons, and educational videos, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern épée fencing.