The Countdown Begins: Join us for the Electrifying AFM Super Regional Tournament!

We’re excited to announce that we’re hosting the coming AFM Super Regional Tournament!

This will be the second year that AFM has been the organizer for this major fencing competition. After the great success of last year’s tournament, we can’t wait to see how this year’s will come along.

The Mega Tournament

Last year, we aptly called this competition a “Mega Tournament,” and that’s exactly what it felt like when it actually happened. It’s a colossal regional competition that brings together three circuits into one exciting event. Over the course of a single weekend and under one roof, the tournament combines a Super Youth Circuit (SYC), a Regional Junior and Cadet Circuit (RJCC), and a Regional Open Circuit (ROC).

Because of the tournament’s wide-ranging nature, the vast majority of the participants can compete in at least two events. This is an excellent opportunity for fencers to get in a lot of tournament competition early in the season, gaining both experience and points for the upcoming season.

We are proudly hosting this all-encompassing competition from October 6-8th, 2023 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California. You can register online by clicking here. Register early to secure your place!

As the biggest event on the West Coast for the 2023-2024 season, a large number of fencers from all over the country, particularly the West and Southwest, are expected to participate in this competition.

This remarkable tournament will feature 60 metal strips and scoring apparatus provided by Absolute Fencing Gear. Additionally, there will be an Olympic-sized fencing strip exclusively reserved for the finals. The tournament setup will resemble that of prestigious events like NACs and Fencing Summer Nationals, complete with national-level referees and officials. Our Head Referee is Mark Stasinos, with Charles Astudillo as Assistant Head Referee, Brandon Rochelle as Bout Committee Chair, and Dwight Chew as Head Armorer. Absolute Fencing will be on hand as an equipment vendor, and the convention center is a major venue with lots of amenities. This tournament offers fencers a thrilling opportunity to compete in an electrifying format.

By consolidating all these elements under one roof, this tournament supports fencers who desire a larger and more diverse competitive experience. Although nothing compares to Fencing Summer Nationals, a mega competition like this brings a semblance of a national tournament right here in the heart of Silicon Valley. Similar to an NAC (North American Cup), this competition offers fencers a taste of competing alongside a multitude of participants from various levels. That kind of cross-level competition helps fencers to see what’s possible and get that fire for their own progress.

What makes this competition important?

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of the competition.

Having three circuits in one tournament presents fencers with the chance to compete in multiple divisions, while also allowing clubs to bring a broader range of their members to a single event. This means coaches and families can provide support in a unified tournament setting, pooling resources and reducing additional travel expenses. With numerous categories available for participation, fencers can accumulate points for regional qualification in multiple events, in all age categories.

Again, most of the fencers will have the opportunity to compete in at least two events, ensuring a valuable competitive experience and progress towards qualifying for higher-level tournaments.

This Super Regional happening so early in the season helps to set the tone for the rest of the year. This competition provides fencers with a regional alternative that, while not identical in scale to an NAC, fills that gap at a good time.

The AFM Super Regional will offer qualification opportunities for Cadet and Junior fencers aiming for the Junior Olympics, as well as the full spectrum of Fencing Summer Nationals categories, including Youth 10, Youth 12, Youth 14, Cadet, Junior, Division 1A, Division 2, Division 3, and Veterans. All three fencing weapons—epee, foil, and sabre—will be featured, ensuring an exciting opportunity for fencers of every weapon, age, and level to participate in this high-caliber tournament.

Four tournaments in one

Fencers in the region should anticipate encountering the highest level of competition at this Super Regional. Region 4, is home to a wealth of talented fencers. The tournament is expected to draw some of the best fencers from California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and even Canada. Most Cadet and up level events will be A-4, making them to be highly competitive, and there will also be strong showings at the levels below. This tournament presents an exceptional opportunity for fencers to challenge themselves.

Within this mega event, there are four distinct competitions taking place:

Regional Open Circuit Competition (ROC)

This level is higher than local competitions but falls below the national level. ROCs are designed for fencers seeking to elevate their competitiveness or earn points towards qualifying for Fencing Summer Nationals. The ROC category includes Division 1A and Veterans.

Regional Junior Cadet Circuit (RJCC)

The RJCC is similar to the ROC, with the distinction that it is exclusively for Cadet and Junior level fencers. For this year, Cadet includes fencers born between 2007 and 2010, while Juniors encompass those born between 2004 and 2010. While only Region 4 fencers can earn qualifying points for their respective events, all fencers can achieve a new rating and gain valuable experience.

Super Youth Circuit (SYC)

An SYC competition is designed for youth fencers who aspire to compete beyond the local and regional levels but below the national stage. This category traditionally encompasses fencers at the Y10, Y12, and Y14 levels, but this year, the AFM Super Regional expands also to Y8 age group! Participating in an SYC event allows fencers to earn national points, which contributes to their qualification and ranking in their respective age and weapon categories.

What to expect at the AFM Super Regional

Fall in California is less crowded and has lower temperatures than the tourist-heavy, hot summer months. It’s worth taking advantage of the mild climate and exploring the area during your visit. Whether you have downtime or plan to arrive early or stay after the tournament, there are plenty of tourist adventures to embark on.

The Santa Clara Convention Center is conveniently located near two airports—San Jose and San Francisco—making travel arrangements straightforward.

Competing in fencing tournaments is beneficial for fencers of all ages, contributing to their growth and development as athletes. Tournaments play a vital role in the progress of athletes, regardless of their age or competitive level. While this mega tournament offers exceptional opportunities for highly competitive fencers to compete, it also serves as an invaluable stepping stone for those still advancing in their fencing journey. Whether you are a national-level competitor or a novice, if you’re in the area and able to participate, it will undoubtedly enhance your skills and development as a fencer.

We are well on our way to establishing this as an annual event on the West Coast, providing fencers in the region with a significant competition to develop their skills and qualify for the Junior Olympics and Fencing Summer Nationals. This second tournament marks the next step of what is hoped to be a long-standing tradition!

The excitement is palpable as we eagerly anticipate hosting this tournament and welcoming participants to our backyard for a truly exciting and valuable tournament. See you in Santa Clara!