Why Do You Fight?

On the eve of K&Q, it seems like a good idea to remind myself why I fence.

I fence because fencing is a puzzle.

I fight specific people so that I can present problems and solutions, and either I can be proven wrong by my death, or right by my living. Additionally, I prove my opponent wrong by stabbing them or I prove them right by being unable to.

I fight in tournaments because I can guarantee that in a tournament, my opponent will be doing their best to prove my principles wrong. I will be doing the same for them. In practice we try things and do research to try to mine for new principles. In a tournament, we are presenting our very best theories and principles and butting them against each other. Am I right, or is my opponent? Only time will tell.

Tomorrow, I will get yet another chance to learn the clearest lessons possible. There is value even in losing. There is value especially in losing, because losses provide an opportunity to improve and refine myself.

As Jon Radburn once told me - "It isn't about winning. It's about fighting well."