By Sam Campbell

Isabel Cornelius is not your average 10th-grade student. Most people do extracurriculars like piano or football, but Isabel does fencing.

She says that fencing is hard but really fun. “You have to be one step ahead of your opponent and anticipate what they are going to do,” Isabel says. “You also have to be extremely self-aware; it’s very easy to give your opponent points.”

There are multiple types of fencing. Isabel does sabre (say-ber) fencing. Sabre fencing is the common type of fencing seen in movies. Fencing has certain techniques and moves; there is more to it than just waving a sword. Different types of blocks and attacks can really make fencing a challenge.

With all the fast-moving sabres, it is impossible for the naked eye to keep score, so a series of sensors are installed in each suit. After a match concludes, each opponent hooks up their suit to the scoreboard to see the scores.

To fence, you have to register in the National Fencing League, and can either register as competitive or not. For the past two years Isabel has been fencing as not competitive, but in the upcoming year, she will register as competitive and travel the U.S competing in fencing events. Isabel is excited for the upcoming year.