Max's Maxims

Maxine Mitchell (1917-1991) was one of the top U.S. foilists in the 1950s: four-time women's foil national champion and three-time Olympian. Mary Huddleston, interviewing Mitchell many years ago, collected these thoughts from the champ.

MAX'S MAXIMS
* If you are winning, don't change your tactics.
* If you are losing ask yourself "WHY am I getting hit?"
* Each motion should have a purpose. Your feint must get a reaction from your opponent.
* If you want your opponent to attack, you don' t have to back up.
* Fence different opponents in different ways.
* Don't use the same tactics for everyone.
* To get something from fencing, you have to give something to it in terms of hard work.
* You meet many nice people and make many friends, BUT, just remember that fencing isn't everything!