Sophomore Ryan Mcpherson channels independence through fencing

Allegra Papera
Staff Writer

Fencing, a sport of sword fighting and agility is making its introduction in the South Bay

Sophomore Ryan Mcpherson channels his independence through fencing, spending his time outside of school focusing on his unique athletic passion. With his years of experience, he is able to dedicate his athletic life to the sport.

Prior to his participation in fencing, Ryan had played more common sports such soccer and baseball. Since he was a third grader living in the San Francisco area, Ryan has participated in fencing off and on.

“I started by signing up for a local class in San Francisco and I really liked it,” said Ryan. “It was different than any of the sports I’d done before; I used to play AYSO and baseball”.

Later on, Ryan was unable to continue fencing consistently since it was challenging for him to find somewhere to practice. The sport’s uniqueness caused Ryan stop fencing for two years until starting up again at the end of his sixth grade year.

“[Local club teams] were unavailable” said Ryan. “So I just waited until they were [available] and I joined one in Torrance”.

Mcpherson practices fencing with Avant Garde, his current club team based in Los Angeles, either three or four times weekly, totalling up to 10-11 hours. His practices on both Mondays and Wednesdays last from 4pm to 7pm while Saturday practices last for four hours.

“It’s kind of annoying having to go [to practice] so often, but the work pays off,” said Mcpherson. “It’s worth it in the end, but [the work] can be tedious”.

Fencing works as an independent outlet for Ryan since his success requires his own self-reliance. He is able to focus on his own abilities and reflect upon them after each practice.

“It is satisfying to get every touch; you push yourself to do better every time you lose one,” said Mcpherson. “If you do well, you know you are the one responsible for it”.

Ryan receives encouragement from family members who see fencing as an opportunity for him to learn character traits that will help him advance in ways that can be applied both during and outside of matches.

“Fencing helps to build self reliance and persistence,” said Kate Mcpherson, Ryan’s mother. “It creates a sense of accomplishment, sportsmanship and achievement”.

Fencing plays into the way Ryan organizes his school schedule, too. He uses the physical education options offered at Mira Costa to his advantage, allowing him to improve during school hours.

“I take weight training class at school and that helps me get stronger for fencing,” said Ryan. “I prefer fencing to school sports, though”.

After years of practice, Ryan has worked his way up to a level that has allowed him to demonstrate his skills in competitions throughout cities in both California and Arizona, winning the Regional Youth Circuit at San Diego’s Chadwick Invitational in 2013 and 2014.

“Like any other sport, you have to practice really hard until you get good and can compete,” said Mcpherson. “Winning was rewarding, and the constant training paid off, which was satisfying”.