2019.09.12
Ready for a chance to be the best in Japan and the world
Of the three events in men’s fencing (épée, foil, and saber), the foil is the only one in which Japan has won Olympic medals. As more Japanese fencers have become capable of competing on an international level, there has been a fierce contest for Olympic berths.
In April 2019, Taro Nakamura entered Hosei University, a powerhouse of fencing. “Among my teammates are the best fencers in Japan, all of whom have experienced international competitions,” said Nakamura. “Daily practice sessions are stimulating, and I can watch and learn various techniques.” He seems to be enjoying a fulfilling life.
His encounter with Ota led him to fencing
Being 176 centimeters tall, Nakamura is not greatly blessed as a fencer. That is why he has tried “not to specialize in attack or defense, but to overcome a sense of aversion,” thereby establishing his style as an all-rounder.
When the opponent steps forward, Nakamura keeps his distance, goes on the offensive, and catches the opponent off guard. He does not overlook any slight weight shift, controls a flexible blade, and then turns the tables. Nakamura is captivated by “the exhilaration he feels when he increases speed in an instant and uses subtle tactics to score a touch.”
He started fencing in the winter when he was a second grader. When he met the Olympic silver medalist Yuki Ota and asked for his autograph, Ota said, “I don’t give autographs to kids who don’t do fencing.” This became an opportunity for Nakamura to start the sport. As a junior high school student, he began to practice fencing in earnest, and soon he found himself standing head and shoulders above the others. He participated in a number of international competitions at his age levels and clinched medals.
To be a champion second to none
“From the next fiscal year, I will play in the senior category, but before that I’d like to get my best results in the junior category,” said Nakamura. “To this end, I need to always rank high in competitions with higher ranking points and become a member of the overseas competition team. I want to gain international experience there before taking part in senior events. Though I have become a champion in Asia and the world, these results are in the underage category. I have to win competitions with no age restrictions,” he said flatly.
In a higher category, the required level also goes up. He has used his head in the game so far, but unless he develops stronger physical abilities, he will not be able to use his tactics or techniques skillfully. “Fencers ranked higher in domestic rankings are fast players. What is lacking for me is muscle strength. I can use training facilities and time effectively during my four years at university—
a period which will decide the outcome. I’m excited to see how strong I can become starting from now. I’m determined to catch up with my seniors and even overtake them as I climb up higher,” said Nakamura. Insatiable in his quest to reach the summit of fencing, he envisions a day when he becomes an ace fencer and wins a gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
Taro Nakamura’s Philosophy
If you are satisfied, it’s the end. Do seriously what you can do now.
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