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What to Say to a Child on Competition Day
Competition day is a powerful moment in a young athlete’s journey. It sits at the intersection of preparation, emotion, expectation and growth. What we say to children in these moments matters, because words can either add pressure… or unlock performance. At the Academy, we believe: “It’s not just what you get, but who you become.” Competition day is not just about results, it’s about shaping resilient, independent athletes who can think, feel and act under pressure. The Role

Paul Davis
Apr 163 min read


The Power of Prioritising: One of Life’s Most Valuable Skills
In today’s world, young people face more choices, opportunities, and distractions than ever before. School demands, social commitments, digital distractions, sport, family life, and personal ambitions all compete for attention. Learning how to prioritise — deciding what matters most and acting on it — is one of the most valuable life skills a young person can develop. It is a skill that shapes not only success in sport or school, but also mental wellbeing, leadership ability

Paul Davis
Mar 124 min read


Building Independent Athletes Within a Strong Squad Structure
At the Academy, our purpose goes far beyond producing successful competitive results. Our mission is to build independent, accountable young people who thrive in sport and in life and to do that within a professional, values-driven squad structure . We believe deeply that independence and individuality do not grow in isolation . They grow faster, stronger, and more sustainably when they are nurtured inside a connected community with a shared vision. This is the heart of how

Paul Davis
Jan 143 min read


The Value of Attending Summer Camps: More Than Just Time on the Piste
Sabre Fencing Camp International 2025 - Making Friends from around the world! For many athletes, summer camps offer one of the most transformative experiences of the year. They’re far more than a few days of training: they’re immersive environments that shape performance, mindset, relationships, and character. Here’s why attending a summer camp is one of the most valuable investments an athlete can make. A Purpose-Built Environment for Growth Unlike regular weekly training se

Paul Davis
Dec 11, 20253 min read


From Frascati to Home: A Mission of Enlightened Self-interest
When Johnny Davis OLY, the Academy Mentoring Lead for Growth and Development, mentioned that if we were serious about our Academy vision we had to go a learn from the best and head to Italy, I jumped at the opportunity. We needed to take our 'one day' vision and make meaningful 'day one' actions. As such in late October, Johnny and I travelled to Frascati Scherma in Italy, our purpose went far beyond the piste. The aim was not to learn about sword in hand skills or tactical d

Paul Davis
Nov 11, 20254 min read


Screens Off. Masks On. Swords Up.
Helping Children Find Their Edge in an Ever-Changing World In a world filled with constant digital stimulation, today's children often find themselves overwhelmed, overstimulated, and less inquisitive. Their attention spans shrink, their curiosity dulls, and they struggle to concentrate amidst the noise of screens and social media. Amidst these challenges, Paul Davis Fencing Academy offers a sanctuary, a safe space where children can live in the moment, free their creativity,

Paul Davis
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Raising your Threshold
Raising Your Threshold: Building Resilience and Growth Through Fencing and Life At our Fencing Academy, we believe that real development...

Paul Davis
Sep 3, 20252 min read


The Pathway Blog: The Academy Report Card
Helping Parents Track Progress in Youth Fencing When your child walks through the doors at the Academy, they’re not just learning how to...
Brynmor Saunders
Jun 19, 20253 min read


The Pathway Blog: Long-Term Planning
-Bryn Saunders Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning -Thomas Edison In this month’s blog, I wanted to...
Brynmor Saunders
May 12, 20253 min read


The Pathway Blog: Fostering Growth Mindsets
-Bryn Saunders In this month's blog, I wanted to delve deeper into some of the thinking that underpins our approach, and help parents...
Brynmor Saunders
Feb 24, 20254 min read


The Pathway Blog: Structured Seasons and New Beginnings
Welcome to the new Academy Pathway Blog, a new monthly look behind the scenes at the Academy! Structured Seasons and New Beginnings We...
Brynmor Saunders
Jan 22, 20253 min read


Welcome. What's it all about.
Hi All, it's Paul here. You have been invited to this blog as part of your 1:1 provision. As Fencers looking to further develop and...

Paul Davis
May 14, 20212 min read
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