Miowitz siblings rock the German foil fencing championships!

Miowitz siblings rock the German foil fencing championships!

A lot of movement on lane 1 and a colorful hustle and bustle in the hall - the German Foil Fencing Championships took place in Biberach from June 16th to 17th, 2025. Among the participants were the siblings Mateja and Milan Miowitz from Lower Saxony, who were not only looking forward to the sporting level, but also to the atmosphere of this renowned event. The spokesman for the TC, Axel Klages, described the siblings' joy at their participation. “It was a great experience for both of them to fight among the best fencers in Germany,” said Klages.

A total of fencers between the ages of 11 and 13 from all over Germany competed at the championships, and the atmosphere in the hall was rousing. Mateja, who competed for the Lower Saxony team in the individual and team competitions, took 56th place in the preliminary round. That may not sound like a big achievement, but on the second day of the competition she increased her performance and achieved 7th place in the team competition. Her brother Milan also fought his way into the action and was able to make friends with the second team from Lower Saxony, where he ultimately reached 21st place in the team competition.

On the trail of an ancient sword fight

Returning to the topic of fencing brings us to the long tradition of this sport in Germany. Fencing is not just a competition, but also combines physical fitness with strategic thinking. There are three main disciplines: epee, foil and saber. Each of these weapons has its own rules and techniques, making fencing a varied and fascinating sport. The stage for the German Championships is provided by the German Fencing Association, an association that organizes competitions and events at a national level and also provides support for international competitions.

Foil fencing differs primarily in the target area chosen. Here the maximum hit area is the upper body, while the other disciplines require different rules and striking techniques. Klages aptly described foil fencing as a “fast game of chess with the body” – a game that requires both precise observation and quick reactions.

A look into history

The history of fencing in Germany goes back to ancient times. The first fencing associations dedicated to martial arts were formed in the Middle Ages. The Renaissance brought new techniques and approaches influenced by great masters such as Henri Saint Didier. This long tradition forms the basis for the current competitions, in which the young generation, like the Miowitz siblings, has the chance to prove themselves and perhaps one day follow in the footsteps of the greats.

For Mateja and Milan, taking part in the championships was not only a sporting challenge, but also a step towards their goal of taking part in the championships again next year. This is infectious and gives hope for even more exciting fencing moments in the future.