To help our fencers decide which of our tournaments they may want to attend, we’re trying out a new “challenge level” system. Under this system, each event will get a ranking between zero and five (or a range of rankings). A Level 1 is the least challenging, and a Level 5 is the most challenging; Level 0 events are youth events. Things like the expected size of the event, the age category of the event, the skill-level of fencers expected to attend, etc. will all affect the challenge level.
The challenge levels are meant to give fencers an idea of what to expect from events, and help them decide which tournaments they may be interested in. The challenge levels are not meant to restrict fencers in any way; anyone can attend any event, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (age, gender, and rating). The challenge levels aren’t even meant to tell fencers which events they should be attending. It’s all about which levels appeal to you personally!
Finally, challenge levels aren’t meant to indicate how well a fencer might expect to place at a tournament or how many bouts they might be expected to win. Higher level events will be harder to place well at, but that doesn’t mean lower levels will be easy to place well at. It takes most fencers a long time to start racking up wins at any competition, and medaling at even a Level 1 or 2 event is no easy feat.
Level 0
These are youth events designed to help our youngest fencers develop a love of competition. They’re always small (usually under 10 fencers) and the emphasis is on learning and having fun.
Level 1
These are the least challenging, least intimidating events we offer at MoDuel. They’ll never be too large, and typically only have fencers of the lowest competitive ratings (e.g. E and U/unrated). Any Level 1 event is likely to have at least a few fencers competing for the first time. If you’ve completed our beginner program, you’re ready for a Level 1 event. However, they aren’t only for beginners. Level 1 events are also great opportunities to earn E and D ratings.
Level 2
These are unintimidating events that offer a bit more of a challenge than Level 1. They tend to be small and have a similar makeup to Level 1 events, but with a few more difficult fencers in the mix. Despite the greater challenge, a Level 2 event would still make a good first tournament.
Level 3
These events are a noticeable step up from Levels 1 and 2, but they’re still accessible to the average fencer and not likely to feel overly intimidating. There will be plenty of good fencers, but generally no one rated higher than a C (a medium-high competitive rating). If you’re someone who’s willing to challenge the tough fencers during open bouting, you’ll feel comfortable at a Level 3 tournament.
Level 4
These are challenging events with lots of good fencers. They won’t be too large (never more than about 30), but they will be tough. They’re likely to have several fencers with very high competitive ratings (e.g. B and C), and it’s possible they might even have an A-rated fencer or two. The smaller size makes them less daunting than Level 5 events, but still equally good experience. Level 4 events can be a good way to test the waters and see if you feel ready to try a Level 5.
Level 5
These are the most challenging events MoDuel has to offer. They can be very large (sometimes as many as 50 people) and typically have at least several fencers with the highest competitive ratings (A and B). As many as 75% of fencers might have competitive ratings. Level 5 events can be daunting, but they’re also one of the best ways to learn and improve, so don’t let inexperience hold you back from participating.
