Fencing 101 with Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson is a junior at OHS, and is an internationally competitive fencer. We caught up with Zach to learn more about fencing, experiences fencing has brought into his life, and how he manages fencing with being a normal high-schooler.
Pixel Journal: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into fencing.
Zach: I am sixteen years old and live in Chandler, AZ, but I am a recent transplant. I grew up in southern California and then lived in Portland, OR for 3.5 years. I am an internationally ranked saber fencer and I compete all over the world (my current ranking is #18 in juniors and #44 in seniors in the US). I started fencing 7 years ago because I thought it looked cool (I had tried other sports like soccer, baseball and taekwondo, but nothing “clicked”). By chance, there was a fencing center 5 minutes from my house, and as soon as I took my first lesson, I was hooked! In my mostly non-existent spare time, I enjoy travel, movies, gaming, hikes and hanging out with friends. I love the OHS and really liked attending Grad Weekend last year.
PJ: What is the most common misconception about fencing?
Z: Probably that it looks like what you see in the movies, with swashbuckling pirates or light saber duels. This is a combat sport that moves quickly and requires serious strength, hand speed, mental processing speed, and footwork. The idea isn’t to clash swords: the goal is to strike your opponent hard and fast while avoiding his blade. Also, there is the misconception that fencers aren’t “real” athletes. The classic movies may have showcased light on their feet fencers who looked more like dancers, but today’s fencer is a world-class athlete. There are also many levels to this sport. I’ve been fencing since I was 9 years old and I’ve just scratched the surface of the mental game.
PJ: What does your training regimen look like?
Z: I am at the fencing gym 8 times a week- 3 mornings and 5 nights Monday-Friday, plus I am doing outside workouts 3 days a week as well. My physical training (cardio, weights, core, footwork, and actual fencing) accounts for about 25 hours per week. I also do mental training and meditation.
PJ: Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to compete and why?
Z: Tough question! So far, I think I’ve been to 14 countries on 3 continents! But if I had to pick one, it would be Budapest, Hungary, because I actually got to spend time in the city (often I only see the airport, the hotel, and the fencing venue). I have logged over 250,000 airline miles in the last couple of years and I am a Platinum frequent flyer!
PJ: What has been the biggest challenge balancing fencing and school?
Z: The sheer number of hours that both require! I am taking 5 courses at the OHS (3 APs, Core: DFRL and Spanish), plus AP Statistics through CTY. I have to be incredibly organized and budget my time carefully. On the weekends that I don’t have a tournament, I am getting as much of the next week’s class prep done as I possibly can. I chose OHS specifically because it gave me the flexibility to continue fencing at the highest levels. I have logged into classes from all over the US and the world, and even from rental cars and airport lounges! During the school year, I will compete in 1-3 tournaments every month, both national and international.
PJ: What is your favorite class that you have taken at OHS?
Z: AP World History! Dr. Gonzales is a great teacher who is really passionate about history.
PJ: That being said, in your own opinion are you better than Inigo Montoya (from the princess bride)?
Z: Yep. That guy is lugging around way too much mental and emotional baggage about his dad. To be at the top of your fencing game, you have to be cool and focused, with no distractions.
PJ: What is your plans academically and within your sport after you finish high school?
Z: There are so many great schools that have Division 1 fencing teams, so I will probably fence NCAAs in college. I have friends who are at Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, Duke and Notre Dame, and would love to follow in their footsteps. An Ivy would be my first choice. I fully plan to continue fencing through college and beyond.