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This is Part 5 of 8 in the Fencing and Inclusive Leadership series. It explores the concept of the riposte—the follow-up action after a parry—as a metaphor for inclusive leadership. True leadership is not just about deflecting challenges but about using those moments to take meaningful action. The riposte reminds us that inclusion requires follow-through, courage, and forward motion.

This is Part 4 of 8 in the Fencing and Inclusive Leadership series. It draws a parallel between the fencing move parry and the practice of responding—rather than reacting—in leadership. Just as a well-timed parry redirects an attack, inclusive leaders pause under pressure, stay grounded, and respond with intention to create space for clarity, care, and connection.

This is the third post in an 8-part series connecting fencing to inclusive leadership. After reflecting on stance and distance control, this post is about timing, based on my experience training for two months and competing at US Fencing Summer Nationals.

This post is the second in an eight-part blog series exploring the connection between fencing technique and inclusive leadership. Each entry focuses on a core concept from fencing that offers insight into how we lead with presence, awareness, and intention. In this installment, we look at distance control—the art of making space for others while staying connected.

In the first installment of his series on fencing and inclusive leadership, Jimmy Zhang explores how the foundational fencing stance, en garde, mirrors the mindset required to lead inclusively. Just as fencers must be balanced, present, and ready to act, inclusive leaders need to ground themselves in awareness, humility, and intention. Jimmy emphasizes that inclusion begins with how leaders show up, through body language, active listening, and openness to different perspectives. True inclusion is not performative or reactive; it is a deliberate stance that shapes culture, builds trust, and fosters belonging.

Discover the vision behind Allez Fencing Club—how our space, curriculum, and culture were designed by coach Mark Elbag and co-founder Jimmy Zhang to help athletes grow at every stage of their journey.

Meet Mark Elbag, head coach and co-founder of Allez Fencing Club. Learn about his inclusive coaching philosophy and 20+ years of helping fencers grow into confident, authentic athletes.

Co-founder Jimmy shares how his experience as a fencing parent—and eventually a fencer—inspired the creation of Allez, a club built to support families, beginners, and fencers at every level.