Maggie's Farm

Home from the splendid 1909 Fort Washington Avenue Armory (right amongst Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center) and the USFA Super-Regional Junior Tournament, with the granddaughter.

There is a lot I don't know about fencing, but I do know that it demands far more athleticism than I had imagined, and that it is a sport based on tactics and trickery. Very mental, like all mano a mano games. But strength matters plenty, or they would not have boys separate from the girls.

She has her share of bruises, but she failed to draw any blood from her opponents, as I suggested. She was handily defeated by the powerful US #1 in 14-and-under foils, but otherwise did OK. I have no doubt that it is more fun to do than to watch, since everything happens so fast that it is barely visible. If you haven't seen this, the scoring is partly electronic. Their vests and weapons are wired. Fights are quick and devilishly intense.

T-shirt on sale: Fencing: Invented by Men, Pefected by Women.

Here's half of the top floor of the Armory, filled with young fencers, coaches, and volunteer expert referees. I never ceased to be amazed by all of the little worlds of dedication that America consists of - with no government "help".