Fencing is a sport I am familiar with. I fenced in College and I fenced on a team till I was 30. I was fairly good at it but by no means a champion. However, over that period, I've learned from my coaches and my colleagues and some very good opponents. Just recently, I've started fencing again after 25 years break. I've discovered the sport has not really changed. Some of the rules may have changed but the basic sport, the techniques and the strategies have not. Even the equipment is pretty much the same.

I've been doing some readings on the topic of fencing. Surprisingly, there aren't many books written in recent years on the sport of fencing. The few that I've found was more about the history and personal experiences rather than strategy and technique. I've found an old book that had some basic strategies but were not up to date. I've decided to write this Squidbook to put some of my thoughts down. I hope future and present fencers will get something out of it. I may be knowledgeable in some techniques and strategies but I don't claim I can still execute them. I've noticed my reaction time and stamina and physical ability have diminished in the 25 years. I was surprised that some of my strategies and techniques still can win even with my reduced capacity. Fencing is one of a few sports where experience can make a difference even over younger fencers who are faster.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my 2 coaches who are now deceased. Professor Ed Lucia at CCNY and Mestro Neidekerchner at the NYTV club.
I also want to thank my teammates whom I am friends with till this day. It was the long lasting friendships that make it worthwhile even though our interest in fencing was the initial connection.

I want to thank my current club (FAW) for providing the environment for me to continue my fencing career. I hope my knowledge and experience will be helpful to other fencers.

As I learn more about this sport especially dealing with aging, I hope to revisit this topic and hopefully add to it.

THE END

Dear fellow fencers:

I am asking you for help. After reading my squidbook, I would like your opinion. I am open to suggestions, criticism and correction. I am also interested in your strategies and experience. If you think you have something worthwhile to add to this book, please send them to me and include the topic heading and /or the Chapter you think it belongs. If I decide to include your submission, you will be given credit in the footnote. I am hoping that this book will be an ongoing project to explore old and new winning strategies in the art and sport of competitive fencing.