that went well.

I fenced in my 2nd tournament today.

I... actually did ok (!) I even won a couple of bouts, and in direct elimination I was not directly eliminated, going on to win that bout and fence the Really Good Person (who cleaned my clock).

I credit my lessons and learning to identify my opponent's preparation to attack (and attacking before they're ready). My defensive game has improved and it shows.

I also noticed a few deficiencies, but having noticed them I know what to work on: though I've grasped the importance of parrying and beat attacking, I forget to counter-parry if my opponent smacks back - it looks right but I've lost right of way ("your eyes deceive you; don't trust them"). My offensive game is weak - I'm so used to my opponents attacking first that I get on edge if they don't, and attack without a plan just to break the tension - I lost one bout handily because I kept trying to Make Something Happen and repeatedly walked into my opponent's blade.

D. graciously acted as photographer and equipment wrangler - pix forthcoming :)

I am deliciously tired.