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Michelle

What is your profession?: I'm in my final year of secondary school, studying welfare sciences.
Do you have other hobbies besides fencing?: When I'm not fencing, I go running with my dad every Sunday. I also attend a drawing academy and sometimes go to the Jims. I swim now and then, do Pilates occasionally and I'm in the Chiro too! Other hobbies are having fun with friends, baking and then not doing the dishes, and annoying my sister.
How long have you been fencing?: I started fencing when I was 14, which means I've been going to training every Monday and Wednesday for 3 years now, at the nicest fencing club there is: Schermers Groeningeveld!
What do you like most about this sport?: That you're never done learning: you can keep learning, but also learn from what you can already do to improve it further. Fencing isn't a team sport, yet it feels like one. We're truly a fencing family that supports each other through setbacks, cheers each other on at tournaments and competitions, laughs a lot, has fun and learns at training, and challenges each other to bring out the best in ourselves… I also love that everyone is welcome in this club. We all share the same passion for this sport!
Do you have a signature move?: I don't really have a signature move, I think, but I do know I'm more of a defensive fencer.
What was your most exciting or challenging fencing moment or match so far?: Nothing comes to mind right away, but my very first competition was in Aalst. I was quite stressed beforehand, but afterwards it was such a fun experience. Sometimes the first step feels big, but looking back it's not that bad. You're never completely ready anyway, you just have to do it, and then you won't regret it and you'll be proud of yourself.
What is a common misconception people have about fencing?: That fencing is a simple sport and you just wave a weapon around. First of all, it's an épée, and many people also underestimate fencing and the technique behind it.
Which skills do you consider most important for a good fencer?: I think it's very important to learn to hold your épée properly so you don't lose points because of it, because those are unfortunate mistakes that are in your own hands, literally and figuratively.
What tip(s) would you give to beginners?: First of all, don't be afraid and just come along to our club. Also, know that you can't learn everything in, say, 3 weeks. You learn something new every time, and sometimes you have better periods and at other times it goes a bit worse, but then perseverance is the message, and you'll progress very quickly without even noticing, getting better step by step.