When Lake Travis athletics come to mind, people typically think of football, volleyball, or basketball. However, a lesser known athletic community is gaining momentum: the Lake Travis Fencing Club. Led by club president Nick Dawson, the organization offers students a chance to take a stab at one of the world’s oldest and most strategic sports.
Dawson’s love for fencing began when he was nine years old. What started as a childhood hobby quickly grew into a defining part of his life. “Its just a really unique sport,” Dawson shared. “It’s individual, but it also feels like a team. There’s a lot of camaraderie when you’re training and fencing with other people. It’s a great bonding experience.”
For students unfamiliar with fencing, it’s substantially more than mindlessly waving a sword in the air. In fact, Dawson describes it as three sports in one. Fencing is divided into three weapon styles: Foil, Épée, and Sabre, each with different rules, target areas, and strategies. They may seem similar to someone unfamiliar with the sport, but they are actually extremely distinct:
- Foil rewards precision and follows strict right of way rules.
- Sabre is fast paced, aggressive, and emphasizes quick reactions.
- Épée, Dawson’s favorite, is more strategic and rewards patience and timing rather than speed.
“Its a lot of mind muscle connection,” Dawson said. “You train your body to react quickly and recognize openings. Like any sport, it takes repetitive practice and discipline.”
A typical fencing practice includes warm ups, footwork drills, blade work, and open fencing rounds. “Footwork is huge,” Dawson emphasized. “You’re constantly advancing, retreating, and changing directions. Then, we drill blade actions, and finally we fence match after match. That’s how you get better.”
Because students cannot bring equipment directly onto the LT campus, the club meets at the Lakeway Activity Center, where members can safely train with proper gear. Dawson said seeing club members show up to practice has been one of his proudest moments as the club president.
Beyond physical skills, fencing has shaped Dawson in lasting ways. “Definitly discipline,” he said. “Its all about repeating the motions, pushing yourself, and staying focused.” He founded the club to give Lake Travis students a chance to experience the sport locally; an opportunity not widely available in the Austin area.
For students who might feel intimidated by a sport involving swords and mental masks, Dawson has a reassuring message: “We will ease you in. It’s not scary at all. Beginners always get a lesson when they start, and the chance of injury is extremely low, especially with protective equipment.”
New members do not require any prior experience, and the first lesson at the Lakeway Activity Center is completely free. Students can observe, participate, or simply test the waters. “Come try it,” Dawson said. “If you don’t like it, that’s ok, but you might surprise yourself.”
The club welcomes new members year round. Follow LT announcements, check the club list, or reason out to president Nick Dawson for meeting dates and practice opportunities. En Garde, Cavs!
