![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Last year was my first Nationals, and though it went well, it was a quick trip: fly in, fence next day, fly out day after that. It was so rushed that I didn't really get to spectate or otherwise "experience" much, but it made logical/financial sense - I only qualified for one event so there was little impetus to stick around.
This year I decided to make more of a trip of it, and to make the most of it I volunteered to help my clubmates out to the best of my ability - warm up partner, carry equipment, keep records of scores, etc.
This was good for me - I got to do more fencing than I would have otherwise, and experienced "coaching" from the other end. My sister told me through her years of tutoring that it's possible to learn a great deal from teaching and I saw that she was right, though I think I was a better pincushion than instructor :P It takes all sorts and every fencer has different motivations and different ways to achieve "flow" and otherwise get ready to compete. It helped me see past my own prep rituals to realize that it's the responsibility of the coach AND fencer to discover what works best.
I also got to watch some really good fencers, with immaculate tiny footwork and crazy patience to set up their actions. I was envious but also inspired - I could be doing so much more to improve my game (more on that later, perhaps).
Mostly though I was glad to help out - many of my clubmates in ways small and great have supported me, being willing teachers and drill partners, and offering encouragement when I don't feel like I can create magic out there. Caddying was something I could do to give back.
This year I decided to make more of a trip of it, and to make the most of it I volunteered to help my clubmates out to the best of my ability - warm up partner, carry equipment, keep records of scores, etc.
This was good for me - I got to do more fencing than I would have otherwise, and experienced "coaching" from the other end. My sister told me through her years of tutoring that it's possible to learn a great deal from teaching and I saw that she was right, though I think I was a better pincushion than instructor :P It takes all sorts and every fencer has different motivations and different ways to achieve "flow" and otherwise get ready to compete. It helped me see past my own prep rituals to realize that it's the responsibility of the coach AND fencer to discover what works best.
I also got to watch some really good fencers, with immaculate tiny footwork and crazy patience to set up their actions. I was envious but also inspired - I could be doing so much more to improve my game (more on that later, perhaps).
Mostly though I was glad to help out - many of my clubmates in ways small and great have supported me, being willing teachers and drill partners, and offering encouragement when I don't feel like I can create magic out there. Caddying was something I could do to give back.
