in the dimly lit room of the fencing club, the air hums with the secret history of the sport, a realm where data and tradition blend seamlessly. as we embark on this investigation, it becomes clear that the most adept fencers not only embrace their pre-existing tactics but also repudiate the notion that there is no room for growth or surprise within these ancient practices. from the beginning, the secret to mastering the art of fencing lies not in the sword alone but in the mind's ability to weave through an opponent's defense, predicting their next move before it even begins.